W.W.I Veteran Howard Ramsey Honored
On January 8th the Oregon Military Museum dedicated their 1918 W.W.I Liberty Truck to a special guest of honor, World War One Veteran Howard Ramsey. Mr. Ramsey is 107 years old now and in very good health considering his age! Mr. Ramsey served in the Oregon Naval Militia from January 1916 to August 1916. He volunteered to serve his country during W.W.I in June 1918 and was assigned to a Motor Transport Center in France where he drove Liberty trucks and other similar trucks mainly transporting water to the troops at the front. Mr. Ramsey served as a Corporal with the 302nd Water Tank Train and also chauffeured officers. After the November 1918 Armistice, he was reassigned to transport war dead from temporary graves at the front to permanent cemeteries.
About 40 people showed up to share this great honor of witnessing Mr. Ramsey experience something he had done almost 90 years ago! That is sitting in the drivers seat of a restored W.W.I Liberty Truck. Hearing the sound of the engine and feeling that old wooden steering wheel in his hands once again. This brought back some fond memories for Mr. Ramsey.
Mr. Ramsey lost his wife in 1982 and lived in his home until he was 104 years old. He drove a car up to the age of 100! He is now living in a care facility in Portland.