Lieutenant Ramsey's War

A decorated lieutenant recounts a true story of sacrifice, hardship, danger, loyalty, and adventure as leader of the guerilla army in the Phillippines during World War II

Ramsey spent three years as a guerrilla chief in the Philippines during WW II, directing sabotage against the Japanese and gathering intelligence against the day of Douglas MacArthur's return. When that day arrived in 1945, the general told the lieutenant, "I am here by the grace of God and your good work." Ramsey's personal story, written with Rivele ( The Plumber ), is a gripping one. A hell-raising kid from Wichita whose parents sent him to military school to shape up, he became obsessed with horses and decided to make a career in the U.S. Army Cavalry Corps. Assigned to the Philippines, he was looking forward to living a country club life, playing polo, wearing a white dinner jacket in the evenings, when the Japanese spoiled his plans. Ramsey found himself leading the last mounted cavalry charge in U.S. military history, was trapped behind enemy lines and--despite malnutrition, dysentery, malaria, an acute appendicitis attack and two mild strokes--established a guerrilla force that grew to about 40,000. Photos. 40,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo; Military Book Club dual main selection.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Little has been written about Ramsey, an important U.S. guerrilla leader in the Philippines during World War II. Though the book begins with a self-indulgent recitation of Ramsey's coming of age, which culminated with a commission in the U.S. Cavalry (and this self-indulgence is reflected throughout the years 1934-41), Ramsey's courage and selflessness become apparent after December 7, 1941. Several months before, Ramsey had been assigned as a platoon leader in the 26th Cavalry, the Philippines; he and his men fought bravely against the Japanese but to no avail. His account of the fighting matches closely with the official histories. After the fall of Bataan, Ramsey joined the guerrillas, and his rise to the top of the powerful partisan unit on Luzon is told movingly and with humility. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Robert Jordan, Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.