The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Fred A. Ratliff (MCSN: 2015147), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 December 1968, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province during Operation Meade River when the Marines became heavily engaged with a reinforced North Vietnamese Army platoon employing machine guns from a well-fortified position and sustained numerous casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Sergeant Ratliff began deploying a squad to relieve elements of another platoon pinned down by the intense hostile fire when he alertly observed several wounded Marines lying in a dangerously exposed area close to an enemy machine gun emplacement. Reacting instantly, he established a base of fire to suppress the fire from the nearest North Vietnamese fortification and fearlessly led a fire team across the open terrain toward his fallen comrades. Although painfully wounded by hostile small arms fire, Sergeant Ratliff boldly advanced on the enemy position delivering accurate fire against the hostile soldiers, accounting for two North Vietnamese defenders killed. Ignoring his serious injury, Sergeant Ratliff was mortally wounded as he resumed his movement to reach the wounded Marines. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Ratliff 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.