Cornelius H. Ram was born on July 18, 1931. His home of record is Jersey City, NJ. He graduated from Jersey City High School in 1950. His special interests were track, football, baseball, handball, golf and the banjo. He continued his education at Springfield College, receiving a BA in Education in 1956. In 1970, his received an MA in Educational Psychology from Duke University.
Cornelius married Lorraine Teresa Shine in September 1954. They had six children -Linda Susan Ram, Mark Edward Ram, Christine Kelly Ram Mooz, Mary Kathleen Ram, Patricia Anne Ram Wurst & Michael Philip Ram. His wife passed away on August 31, 1984.
He entered the US Navy on February 12, 1951. He re-enlisted on February 3, 1958. He served with the US Marine Corps, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine, 1st Marine Division. He attained the rank of Major (MAJ).
Major Ram was killed in action on January 10, 1971. He is buried in Ocean County Memorial Park in Toms River, NJ.
Ram was awarded numerous medals. Some of these include:
Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for service in Vietnam from 8/15/70 to 1/10/71; Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for service in Vietnam on 6/22/66; Gold Star in lieu of second Bronze Star with Combat “V” for service in Vietnam from 12/10/65 to 12/3/66;
Gold Star in lieu of the third Bronze Star with Combat “V” for service in Vietnam on 1/10/71; Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam on 8/6/66; Gold Star in lieu of second Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam on 1/10/71 resulting in death; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation for service in Vietnam from 5/10/65 to 6/30/69; Good Conduct Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe Clasp; National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star; Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star (indicative of 5 bronze stars) and 2 Bronze Stars; Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star by the Republic of Vietnam (2 separate awards); Medal of Honor, Firtst Class, by the Republic of Vietnam; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civic Actions Color, 1st Class) and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Sources: C. Kelly Mooz (daughter) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
