The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Ronald Alan Ross, United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Ross distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29, 30 and 31 October 1969, while serving as the officer-in-charge of a firing platoon with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 92d Artillery Regiment. Though assigned to Service Battery, 5th Battalion, 22d Artillery Regiment, he volunteered to command a firing platoon when its commander was wounded in action at Landing Zone K E. The area came under a severe enemy mortar and rocket attack. Lieutenant Ross, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to direct return fire on the enemy positions. On numerous occasions he moved throughout the besieged firebase offering words of encouragement to the embattled troops manning the bunkers and artillery. In the early morning hours of 31 October 1969, the firebase again came under intense enemy fire. During this attack, Lieutenant Ross spotted a wounded member of the Vietnamese Security Force near the fire direction center. Ignoring a withering hail of hostile fire, he attempted to carry the man to the safety of a nearby bunker. Lieutenant Ross had nearly reached safety with the wounded soldier when an exploding rocket mortally wounded him. Lieutenant Ross’ exceptional gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.