The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class] Ralston K. Dennis (ASN: 0-2262908), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 13 February 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Dennis assumed command of an adjoining friendly force which was undergoing heavy attacks by a determined enemy force. By sheer weight of number the enemy tried to overrun the friendly positions. During this action Lieutenant Dennis observed that the leader of a friendly unit, occupying the most forward position, lay seriously wounded and his men had become disorganized. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Lieutenant Dennis advanced over the hazardous terrain and assumed command of the confused unit and immediately reorganized it into an efficient fighting team. When the hostile forces threw the brunt of their assault at an adjacent position, which was weakened by friendly casualties, Lieutenant Dennis immediately secured a fallen rifle and while advancing to the threatened position, began firing his weapon at the onrushing enemy. His deadly accurate fire successfully repulsed the hostile troops and inflicted numerous casualties upon them. His courage and initiative enabled his unit to maintain its position. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Dennis on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 13, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 37 (January 23, 1952) -
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 8 – 13, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 163 (June 16, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class] Ralston K. Dennis (ASN: 0-2262908), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, from 8 to 13 March 1951, near Yangjimal, Korea. During that period he was a platoon sergeant of an infantry unit which was attacking enemy positions on the Yangjimal Line. Under fire from enemy defensive positions he led his platoon towards its objective, and secured it with a minimum of casualties. As the platoon advanced Lieutenant Dennis constantly moved ahead, exposing himself to the enemy fire, in order to reconnoiter enemy positions and to select better terrain for the approach. His outstanding leadership was instrumental in destroying the enemy. The heroic conduct of Lieutenant Dennis on this occasion reflected great credit upon him and upon the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 15 – October 21, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ralston K. Dennis (ASN: 0-2262908), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in Korea, from 15 September 1951 to 21 October 1951. The inspirational leadership displayed by Lieutenant Dennis reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 18, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 186 (June 17, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class] Ralston K. Dennis (ASN: 0-2262908), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. Due to the intensity of the enemy attack, the battalion was ordered to withdraw, leaving Company E to cover the remainder of the battalion. As the enemy attack increased, Company E was then ordered to withdraw with the 2d platoon under Lieutenant Dennis covering the withdrawal. Although all of the enemy fire was concentrated on his platoon, Lieutenant Dennis, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved through this intense enemy fire to deploy his platoon and to encourage his men. Through his fearless efforts his men were inspired to superhuman efforts which took a heavy toll upon the numerically superior enemy force. The inspirational leadership displayed by Lieutenant Dennis reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.