Howard Verne Ramsey

1898 ~ 2007

Believed to be the oldest known WW1 AEF veteran in the United States of American, Howard passed at the age of 108 on February 24th 2007. Howard, of Portland Oregon, died in his sleep at an assisted living facility.
The chairman of Pershings' Doughboys had the priviage of meeting Mr. Ramsey in 2002, accompanied by Mr. Steve McGeorge, then of the Oregon National Guard Museum.
Mr. Ramsey volunteered to serve in 1916 and was one of the few soldiers who knew how to drive a car when he joined the Army. As a corporal, he served as a chauffeur for officers and for military funerals and transported supplies to the front lines.
When he came home, Ramsey spent a few years driving a tour bus in Salt Lake City. In 1923, he married and settled down in Portland, where he had finished high school. He worked for Pacific Northwest Bell for more than 40 years.
Ramsey's wife, Hilda Epling Ramsey, died in 1982. He is survived by a daughter, Coral Falk of Portland, two granddaughters, three great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Ramsey was awarded the Portland, Oregon Medal, the World War Service Medal from the State of Oregon, the 75th Anniversary of World War I Medal, and two Republic Française medals (awarded to US citizens by France).
We salute him!

Photographs

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	Howard Verne Ramsey pictured at the Oregon National Guard Museum in 2002. Still fitting his original AEF uniform (just) Mr. Ramsey is accompanied by Mr. McGeorge (left) and the Chairman, Pershings' Doughboys (right).
	Mr. Ramsey's casket was transported to its last resting place aboard a restored liberty truck and escorted by WW1 Living Hitorians in full AEF uniform.
	Mr. Ramsey was afforded full honours and his funeral was covered by the news media.
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James Day

1944 - 2006

Mr. James Day was a stalwart member of Pershings' Doughboys from the very beginning. The following speech was delivered by the Chairman of the group at the Veteran's Day ceremony at the ABMC Cemetery, Brookwood Surry in November 2006. Following the speech the then commanding General of the 7th ARCOM, Brigadier General Richard Tabor presented his widow with a cased flag of the United States of America in which was set Mr. Days picture and his Oregon State WW1 Victory Medal.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Today we honour the veterans and servicemen of the United states and allied nations. We pay tribute to their constant sacrifices in support of civilians of all nations, that we may live safe , secure and peaceful lives.

On this special day, I would like to make a special mention for one of our friends and colleagues from the Perhsings Douhboys living history group. Mr James Day sadly passed on earlier this year, after a long hard fight against illness. Jim was one of the founding members of our UK historical group, and attended virtually every memorial day and veterans day service honouring the original fallen doughboys, for the last ten years or so. Although Jim was not from a military family, he devoted his spare time to the study and accurate historical portrayal of the United States Doughboys from WW1.

An Avid re-enactor, historian and collector Jim amassed a wealth of knowledge, in particular in connection with the Doughboys of the US Army Medical Corps. This knowledge was enthusiastically passed on to whomever he came into contact with, at out public and museum events, Jim would always have time to educate and instruct people on the heroic historical actions of the original men and women from the Great War, and in particular dispel the myths that the Doughboys were not Johnny come lately, but made a definitive difference to the outcome of the protracted great war.
Jim rehearsed rifle and foot drill, till he was proficient, and was a valued and stalwart member of our unit. He attended numerous functions and events throughout Europe, some of the most notable being longstanding support for Royal Armouries, English Heritage, French Officer training centre Brittany, The Royal Museum of the Army Belgium, The ABMC at Bony, Meuse Argonne, and Brookwood and of course the US Army themselves, not to mention the countless other smaller museums and events where he was a valued asset to our group. Twice along with other members of the group he had the honour of being invited to provide historical interpretation services for the current serving army at their European Headquarters in Heidelberg Germany. At every historical or ceremonial event, shows or lecture, Jim was always a person who you could count on to get the job done.

Through His honouring of the Original Doughboys, Jim was awarded by the Oregon National Guard, the Oregon State WW1 Victory medal in recognition of his contribution towards remembrance services. He was also presented with a Generals commendation and Challenge coin by the commanding general of USAREUR General B Bell, for his outstanding support of the Land Combat expo, historical displays in Heidelberg.

Today as a mark of respect for our fallen comrade, we pay the highest respect. We honour his self sacrifice and consideration for others, we admire his indeterminable spirit of endurance, his cheerful spirit and friendly smile. We will never forget. We Will remember. We know deep in our hearts that Jims Spirit stands side by side with the proud men and women of the United States armed forces, with the veterans and fallen from all allied Nations who have twice in as Many generations stood together in two major world wars, and who today operate in combined Military operations as Allied Nations in the fight against terrorism. We Know that today at this hallowed ground, that our comrade Jim Day stands, with the spirit of determination, fairness and self sacrifice of General Pershing himself. Side by side with the original Doughboys beneath our feet.

We would now therefore like to take a few moments to present this small token of our heartfelt appreciation for his efforts within our group and for the ABMC, by presenting this memorial flag and display to Mr Days widow Mrs Sharon Day."

David Bennett

1949 - 2007

Mr. David Bennett was a founder and the current chairman of the World War Two Living History Association and a great friend and advocate for the whole of historic re-enactment in the United Kingdom.

Dave passed away peacefully after sudden illness leaving a great hole in the WW2 community that will be very difficult to fill.

Pershing's Doughboys pay their respects to a man who gave 30 years of his life to the hobby.

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