The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Ralph Ernest Snell (ASN: 36332972), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lawican, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1945. Company A was making a frontal attack against a strongly-fortified enemy hill position when it was met by heavy mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire from the flanks and from caves on the reverse slope. As it reached the crest of the hill a machine gun on the right flank opened fire and wounded four men. Private First Class Snell, an automatic rifleman of the lead squad, heedless of his own safety, boldly moved forward alone and destroyed the weapon and its crew. Fire from the enemy-held caves still impeded the advance, but maintaining an exposed position in full view of the enemy, Private First Class Snell called for mortar fire, and, although having no previous experience in adjusting it, he skillfully directed his comrades in destroying three Japanese strongpoints. The company again moved forward but was stopped by a machine gun on the left flank. Once more completely disregarding his own safety, Private Snell advanced alone, sighted the enemy gun crew, and destroyed it with his automatic weapon. Although painfully wounded by sniper fire, he gallantly led his comrades forward, securing the enemy positions, captured the hill, and only then allowed himself to be evacuated. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit, and heroic effort despite his wounds, Private Snell destroyed two machine guns with their crews, directed the destruction of three enemy positions, and enabled his company to capture its objective. Private First Class Snell’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.