The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Ronald R. Prather, Jr. (MCSN: 2177783), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Ontos Commander and Section Leader with Company A, First Anti-tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 February 1968. While providing rear security for an artillery battery moving through enemy controlled territory near Thien Tri Village, Thua Thien Province, Sergeant Prather’s Ontos was ambushed by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars. During the initial burst of enemy fire, his Ontos was damaged by 57-mm. recoilless rifle fire, seriously wounding two of his crew members and throwing them from the vehicle. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, he left the commander’s compartment and moved to the driver’s position to maneuver his vehicle to a more advantageous firing position. Upon returning to the commander’s compartment, he discovered that, with the exception of the .30 caliber machine gun, all the armament had been damaged by the enemy fire and rendered inoperable. In order to divert enemy fire from the other Marines in the convoy and enable them to dismount and deploy against the enemy ambush force, he courageously commenced firing his machine gun. Disregarding the intense enemy fire and his own safety, Sergeant Prather fired his weapon until he had expended his supply of ammunition. As he attempted to reload his weapon, he was mortally wounded by enemy recoilless rifle fire. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Sergeant Prather was instrumental in defeating the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.