An intrepid submarine skipper in World War II, Ramage was awarded the Medal of Honor for a daring predawn surface attack while in command of the USS Parche (SS-384) in July 1944. He won Navy Crosses while commanding the USS Trout (SS-202) and Parche. Admiral Ramage also recalls witnessing Pearl Harbor attack while a member of the staff of Commander Submarines, Scouting Force, Pacific Fleet. After the war, he commanded a submarine division, submarine squadron and the attack transport USS Rankin (AKA-103), as well as holding staff positions and attending war colleges. He discusses his flag officer assignments, which included the following: special assistant to the CNO (Admiral Arleigh Burke)

Assistant CNO for Fleet Operations and Readiness; Commander First Fleet; and Commander Military Sea Transportation Service during the Vietnam War.