The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ralph M. Galiano, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 19 July 1943. As a member of the point of an advance guard when it was ambushed by an enemy machine gun detachment Corporal Galiano left a position of comparative safety to go to the assistance of his squad leader who was lying helplessly wounded and exposed to enemy fire. Accompanied by another soldier he succeeded in dragging the squad leader about twenty yards when hostile fire killed the wounded man and wounded Corporal Galiano’s companion. Corporal Galiano then picked up his wounded companion and carried him to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.