The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Ralph Shoup Gorton, III (MCSN: 0-103511), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 28 December 1967 to 27 May 1968. Throughout this period, Second Lieutenant Gorton displayed exceptional professionalism and leadership in the performance of his duties. Initially assigned as Weapons Platoon Commander, he accomplished all assigned tasks in a highly competent manner. Reassigned as a Rifle Platoon Commander on 27 January 1968, he ably led his men during five major combat operations including Operations Kentucky, Jeb Stuart and Napoleon/Saline. On 7 March 1968, during an attack against a heavily fortified village, Second Lieutenant Gorton aggressively maneuvered his unit in the face of intense enemy fire and, overcoming determined enemy resistance, was instrumental in seizing the objective. During a subsequent operation on 5 May, when elements of his company became engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, Second Lieutenant Gorton was assigned the mission of reinforcing his unit’s left flank position. Unhesitatingly moving to the point of heaviest contact, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon into position and although the hostile force launched a fierce counterattack, repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to observe and identify hostile positions for his men. Under his aggressive leadership, his platoon inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy and contributed immeasurably to the success of the operation. When his unit became pinned down by intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire during an assault on the village of Phu Con on 27 May, Second Lieutenant Gorton unhesitatingly moved from one position to another, encouraging his men and directing their fire. As he was maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain to deploy his point squad, he was killed by the enemy fire. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Second Lieutenant Groton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.