On May 6, the hard fighting started. Ram was at battalion
base camp, helping to treat wounded when he learned that his replacement had
been killed, leaving Delta 4-12 without a medic. “I’m going back,” Ram
remembered telling the surgeon he was working with. Later that night, back with
Delta 4-12, Ram was wounded. He stayed with his soldiers and refused to be
evacuated until May 10.
Ram later met at least 12 of his patients, “They are all
doing great,” he said. “One man, holding his daughter’s hand, said, ‘You give
thanks to this man. Because of him, you’re here.’ Another man said, ‘Ram I
thought you were taller,’ and his friend said, ‘You were, on the ground.'”
Ram’s company commander recommended him for the silver star
for the May 7, 1968, action but when the recommendation reached brigade
headquarters, it was rejected “because this guy wasn’t even here.” It was
awarded at last, November, 2008. For the February 23, 1968 action during the
Tet offensive, Ram was awarded the bronze star with the v device for valor, the
purple heart for the wound incurred during the night of May 6, 1968 and the
medical combat badge earned under fire.
Other medals earned: Silver Star Medal with Combat
"V" emblem, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, he
also earned the Good Conduct Medal. Ram's favorite saying when it comes to our
KIA's, "it we don't remember them who will."
WELL DESERVED FOR AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL !
ReplyDeleteGod bless you for your courage and your kindness. I know you were a blessing to many others who were wounded but looked up to see you coming to their aid. I’m so grateful to our Lord that He brought you home and you and your sweet wife are still enjoying life together. .
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