The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Ronald Frank Laratta, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with River Division FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO in the Republic of Vietnam, on 18 February 1969. Petty Officer Laratta was manning the forward 50 caliber machine guns on his unit as it was escorting resupply vessels south on the Vam Co Dong River. As the convoy rounded a bend in the river, his River Patrol Boat (PBR) came under B-40 rocket and heavy automatic weapons fire. During the ensuing fire fight, his boat sustained two rocket hits and numerous bullet holes in the hull. One rocket detonated immediately behind Petty Officer Laratta’s position inflicting serious shrapnel wounds to most of his body, breaking his left arm, and throwing him from his gun tub. Despite the seriousness of his many wounds, Petty Officer Laratta climbed back into his gun tub, placed his right arm and broken left arm over his weapon to steady and level at the ambush point, and fired the weapon with his chin. He continued to fire his weapon in this manner until all ammunition was expended. He then loaded and fired a grenade launcher until his unit was clear of the ambush area. After climbing from his gun tub and attempting to handle mooring lines, he collapsed due to the seriousness of his wounds and loss of blood. His courage and devotion to duty in spite of wounds, his outstanding professionalism, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.