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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Ralph Bosalet (ASN: RA-13327751), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 12 November 1965, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company A, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations near Ap Bau Bang, Republic of Vietnam. Early in the morning the defensive perimeter of his unit came under intensive mortar and automatic weapons fire from a Viet Cong force estimated to be larger than a regiment. Sergeant Bosalet repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire and directed his platoon against the attacking Viet Cong. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he acted as his own forward observer, and from an exposed position, he effectively directed artillery and mortar fire upon the advancing hostile force. He then moved through the devastating fire to a burning armored personnel carrier, salvaged a .50 caliber machine gun, and restored it to action. When he observed another burning personnel carrier, Sergeant First Class Bosalet exposed himself to the hostile fire and proceeded to the carrier. Ignoring both the automatic weapons fire and the exploding small arms fire within the carrier, he entered the vehicle and assisted the two wounded occupants to safety. While continuing his tasks for six hours, he moved from position to position within the platoon placing his own devastating fire upon the insurgent forces, directed the fire of supporting weapons, and assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. Through his courage, determination, and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the Viet Cong. Sergeant First Class Bosalet’s unimpeachable valor and extraordinary heroism against a numerically superior hostile force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.