The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ralph S. Mullinax (ASN: 6927933), United States Army, for gallantry in action on **** 1943, about five miles from ****, Italy. Staff Sergeant Mullinax, Platoon Sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, by cool leadership and daring example, encouraged all squads in his platoon to press home a successful attack after being bogged down under heavy hostile fire. He emerged from his fox hole, moved about among the men and directed their fire. On one occasion, he went for a German grenade thrown in front of one squad, and quickly tossed it back to explode among the enemy. Staff Sergeant Mullinax’s courageous action contributed greatly to the accomplishment of the unit mission. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.