The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Ralph Burgess Stratton (ASN: RA-33529851), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 September 1950 near Taegu, Korea. When his company had been surrounded by the enemy and was attempting to withdraw to more tenable positions, they suddenly encountered a hostile road block consisting of four machine guns along the possible route of escape. Private Stratton, with another automatic rifleman, quickly moved 75 yards forward of the friendly lines before the enemy opened fire upon them. After several minutes of returning the enemy’s fire, Private Stratton realized his automatic rifle fire was ineffective. Picking out a more advantageous position, he quickly moved to the new post and directed such effective fire into the enemy emplacements that one machine gun crew was destroyed and the other three were forced to withdraw. Private Stratton’s gallantry and aggressiveness reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.