The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Ralph J. Bonawitz (ASN: RA-23815832), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24-25 April 1951, H Company’s positions near Taejon-ni, Korea, were attacked by a large enemy force utilizing a heavy volume of fire. During the action, Corporal Bonawitz, a member of a mortar section, in order to obtain better observation of the enemy, fearlessly and voluntarily exposed himself to severe hostile fire and took up a position where he could see the silhouettes of the enemy soldiers against the skyline as they crossed over ridges in the distance. From his vantage point he set up a base of fire with rifle and grenades as well as directing destructive mortar fire upon the enemy. When he had exhausted his ammunition supply and was forced to fall back, Corporal Bonawitz discovered that his platoon’s positions were surrounded. Out of ammunition, he engaged in furious hand-to-hand combat and, using his rifle as a club, smashed his way to the platoon perimeter, killing eight enemy soldiers who attempted vainly to stop him. Corporal Bonawitz’s extreme daring and gallant courage reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.