The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ralph T. Kiger (ASN: RA-44182419), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. When his company was attacked by numerically superior enemy forces, Private Kiger climbed from his covered bunker and, exposing himself to the intense enemy fire directed at him, opened fire with his automatic rifle. His fierce fire drew the enemy out and forced them to reveal their positions, whereupon Private Kiger and his comrades delivered such effective fire that the enemy attack was stopped. When he ran out of ammunition for his weapon, Private Kiger held his position with hand grenades until his assistant gunner had procured more ammunition. Throughout the course of the attack, he fought from his open position until the enemy withdrew. The gallantry and aggressiveness displayed by Private Kiger reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.