The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Ralph Andrew Ofstie (NSN: 0-34703), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the two greatest amphibious operations thus far undertaken in the Southwest Pacific Area. He served with distinction as Commander Carrier Division TWENTY-SIX during the period of occupation of Leyte. From 18 October to 29 October 1944, by anti-submarine patrol and combat air patrol, his forces gave protection to the ships effecting the invasion and to the troops ashore. In the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October aircraft under his command inflicted extensive damage to a Japanese Task Force. In the invasion of Lingayen Gulf on 9 January 1945, Rear Admiral Ofstie served as Commander Lingayen Attack Force Escort Unit. In spite of severe enemy aircraft attacks on his unit, his ships and planes skillfully protected our Task Force during approach and assault. His advice and assistance in perfecting plans for these major operations was invaluable. Rear Admiral Ofstie’s outstanding performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ofstie is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Ralph Andrew Ofstie (NSN: 0-34703), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a CVE Carrier Task Group assigned to the support of the amphibious assault on the strongly defended Japanese held islands of Peleliu and Angaur, September 1944. The Task Group under Admiral Ofstie’s command was assigned the difficult missions of protecting our forces from enemy planes and submarines, of seeking out and neutralizing in advance well concealed enemy defenses, and continuing its support by destroying enemy positions and hostile aircraft during the assault. All of these missions were performed with notable efficiency; and their accomplishment contributed in large measure to the success of an operation which was of great strategical importance to our offensive in this theater. Admiral Ofstie’s intelligent direction of his group, his personal courage, and his aggressive fighting spirit were outstanding, and his performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ofstie is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Ralph Andrew Ofstie (NSN: 0-34703), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a United States Navy Aircraft Carrier in action during the operation against Truk Atoll in the Caroline Islands on 16 – 17 February 1944, the battle against attacking enemy aircraft during the night of 21 – 22 February 1944, and the subsequent attacks on Japanese bases at Tinian, Saipan, and Guam in the Marianas, 22 February 1944. Throughout these operations Captain Ofstie, at all times, handled his ship with courage and skill and carried out effective flight operations in the face of determined enemy resistance. The ultimate effect of these first attacks against the enemy’s inner defenses cannot be properly assessed until the future, certainly it will be substantial. His gallantry and high professional excellence contributed much to the success of our operations and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Ofstie is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)