The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Ralph Bamford Walker, II (ASN: 0-98998), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Walker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 May 1967. Early in the morning, the company command group was attacked by heavy enemy mortar and automatic weapon fire. Captain Walker was seriously wounded in the first few moments of the battle. By valiant exertion, he was able to reach his radios and alert the remainder of his company and the battalion command post. Though incapacitated by his wounds, Captain Walker guided the remaining platoons to his location, relayed the tactical situation to the battalion commander and directed the defense of his perimeter. As the battle raged and the enemy closed within feet, Captain Walker’s calm instructions and outstanding leadership inspired his men to regain the initiative and defeat the numerically superior enemy force. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained in an exposed position, directing the evacuation of the wounded and coordinating the re-supply of his company and he succumbed to his wounds. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Walker, 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.