The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Rudolph S. Galiana (MCSN: 2297083), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Gunner in the machine-gun section, Second Platoon, Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, two companies of the Third Battalion, First Marines were helilifted into the Que Son Valley in the vicinity of Nui Loc Son to reinforce an infantry company that was heavily engaged by a numerically superior enemy force estimated to be of battalion size. The enemy was well-entrenched and delivered highly effective small-arms and mortar fire against the relieving companies. In the ensuing battle, Private First Class Galiana’s machine-gun team was positioned to gain fire superiority over the enemy positions that held his platoon’s advance to a standstill. Immediately after engaging the enemy his machine-gun team was caught in a cross fire and heavily engaged for the next several minutes. During this time the ammunition supply for the gun became critically low. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private First Class Galiana stood up in the middle of the cross fire that had already killed or wounded several members of his team and ran from man to man collecting ammunition from the dead and wounded. After he had collected all the ammunition, he ran back to the gun position and passed it to the gunner. As he did so, he was fatally wounded by enemy machine-gun fire. His outstanding courage, daring initiative and valiant fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.