A fluid servo actuator control/damping mechanism and method which utilize and combine the functions of an electro-mechanically driven servo valve to achieve ram or actuator fluid flow and load control even after loss of fluid power as well as the main ram position control function under normal operating conditions. The mechanism comprises a main control servo valve including a positionable valve element for selective application of fluid power to a ram, a sensor connectable to the ram for providing ram load feedback information, and an electro-mechanical drive operable independently of fluid power for selectively positioning the valve element under normal operating conditions for controlled actuation of the same and, upon loss of fluid power, for providing variable orifices to controllably meter bypass fluid flow across the ram by utilizing the existing return flow metering pattern of the servo valve and modulating the valve element thereof in response to feedback information received from the sensor, for actively controlled damping of the ram.