The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ralph Howard (MCSN: 2359925), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 February 1968, Company M was conducting a search and destroy operation south of DaNang when the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well-concealed enemy force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, Private First Class Howard’s rifle was damaged by hostile fire. Ignoring the enemy fire around him, Private First Class Howard fearlessly moved about the hazardous area, throwing hand grenades at the enemy positions. Observing a wounded man, he unhesitatingly ran through the intense fire to the side of the casualty and administered first aid to his comrade. After completing treatment of the man, he continued to attack the enemy position and was wounded in the leg. Crawling to a Corpsman, he had his wounds treated and, after obtaining a rifle from a wounded comrade, was wounded a second time and knocked unconscious. Regaining consciousness a few minutes later, he resolutely refused medical treatment and continued to direct accurate rifle fire at the enemy. Observing a wounded Marine lying in an area, dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, he fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain to the casualty and moved him to a position of relative safety. His aggressive fighting spirit and resolute determination were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Howard upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.