The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Ralph Tommy Anderson (MCSN: 2366871), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 May 1968, Company H came under heavy fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force during an attack on a fortified village along the Cua Viet River near Dong Ha. Observing two Marines pinned down by snipe fire as they attempted to move a companion to safety, Lance Corporal Anderson obtained a pistol and several hand grenades, unhesitatingly left his covered position and began crawling forward toward the sniper. Advancing beyond friendly lines, he silenced the enemy position, enabling his comrades to move the Marine to safety. Before he could return to his position, however, he was killed by enemy fire. By his heroic actions, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Anderson undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.