The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Medical Corps) Emerald M. Ralston (ASN: 0-468276), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Officer with Company A, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. The landing craft, upon which Captain Ralston’s medical company was coming ashore, was hit twice by enemy shells, setting two of the holds on fire. Captain Ralston immediately rushed into one of the burning holds, calmed the men and organized them to fight the fire. Although painfully burned about the face, he continued to render aid to the wounded. Despite smoke and terrific heat, Captain Ralston fearlessly entered the officers cabin over a burning hold to rescue a critically injured man. He then returned to the shell swept deck to administer to the wounded. When a naval craft came alongside to the rescue, Captain Ralston, although strongly enjoined to remain with the rescue craft, refused and transferred the remnants of his company to an LCM and directed it to the beach. In the face of vicious enemy artillery fire which killed and wounded many of the men, a landing was effected. Although wounded in this landing, Captain Ralston, refusing to take treatment or to seek cover from the devastating enemy fire, made trip after trip into the heavy surf to rescue his wounded and struggling men. En route to the aid station he treated many of the wounded on the beach under hostile enemy machine gun and sniper fire. The personal bravery, superb courage and outstanding leadership displayed by Captain Ralston exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.