The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Benjamin J. Ranieri (ASN: 0-2262628), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 April 1951, near Tokkok, Korea, a platoon under Lieutenant Ranieri’s command while operating as a combat patrol, neared the base of a hill, where it ran into a fusillade of enemy machine gun fire. Despite the hail of bullets sweeping the area, Lieutenant Ranieri charged the enemy position, and engaging them in close combat, killed six enemy soldiers in the gun emplacements. Then gathering his men together, he led them in a furious bayonet assault on the hill. Despite the fierce and desperate defense put forth by the hostile forces, Lieutenant Ranieri and his platoon pushed relentlessly forward, destroying all opposition which they encountered. The inspiring leadership displayed by Lieutenant Ranieri was instrumental in the successful seizure of an area with tactical importance. Lieutenant Ranieri’s aggressiveness and selfless gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.