The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Ralph Edmonds Surber (MCSN: 326338), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 13 to 15 August 1952. With the company engaged in defending a vitally important hill position far forward of the main line of resistance, Staff Sergeant Surber skillfully moved his platoon into position under extremely heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire and expertly deployed his men over the platoon’s assigned sector of the hill. Constantly exposing himself to the intense fire, he personally supervised his platoon in setting up positions and encouraged his men who were suffering from exhaustion and intense heat. When the enemy attacked, he picked up an automatic rifle and delivered devastating fire into the oncoming force, inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy and forcing their withdrawal. Although painfully wounded, he continued to aid his platoon and repeatedly rushed through the heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire to carry urgently needed ammunition and water to his men. By his aggressive fighting spirit, cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Surber served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ralph Edmonds Surber (MCSN: 326338), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 6 – 7 October 1952. When a bunker collapsed and buried a fellow Marine while the unit was defending a vital outpost during an intense hostile mortar and artillery bombardment on the position, Staff Sergeant Surber rushed to the scene in a brave attempt to aid his comrade. Undeterred by the devastating enemy fire falling all around him, he continued to clear away the debris until the wounded man had been rescued, and evacuated the casualty to the command post for medical treatment. Later, when hostile forces overran the outpost during a savage attack, he boldly led his men in hand-to-hand combat and, although his weapon was destroyed, continued to fight barehanded until he fell, mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Surber served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.