The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Ralph Adair Colby (ASN: 0-23247), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Ranger Battalion, attached to the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, on or about 2 August 1943. Captain Colby led a coordinated attack against an enemy hill despite intense machine gun and grenade fire from five concrete pill boxes, and broke through the enemy defenses. Although later subjected to a heavy enemy artillery barrage, Captain Colby directed the successful defense of this position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Colby, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.