Quick Facts
Biography
Marvin Lee Ramsden was born on January 2, 1919 at Pleasant Lake, North Dakota.
Navy career
Ramsden enlisted in the Navy May 21, 1936 and reported for duty in USS Lexington (CV-2) on October 8, 1936.
Awarded the Silver Star
During the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 8, 1942, Coxswain Ramsden, a member of Lexington's crew throughout his career, remained at his exposed station, despite wounds, continuing to operate a rangefinder in the face of intense enemy strafing and dive-bombing attacks until he died. For his gallant and intrepid conduct, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.
Namesake
USS Ramsden (DE-382) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down March 26, 1943 by the Brown Shipbuilding Corp., Houston, Texas; launched May 24, 1943; sponsored by Mrs. James L. Ramsden, mother of Coxswain Ramsden; and commissioned October 19, 1943, Lt. Comdr. J. E. Madacey, USCG, in command.