The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ralph D. Cail (MCSN: 0-42348), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer attached to the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 May 1951. Discovering a large hostile force massing for an attack on the flank of a friendly unit while he was flying in a slow, unarmed aircraft on a reconnaissance mission over enemy-held territory, First Lieutenant Cail quickly alerted the unit by radio and advised that he would adjust artillery fire upon the enemy. Calling in successive fire missions, he maneuvered his plane over the hostile positions at extremely low altitudes in the face of devastating enemy antiaircraft fire to effectively pin-point their locations between fire missions. During one of these low-level runs his aircraft was hit in the fuel tank, causing the loss of much gasoline. Although the fuel supply in his plane was critically low and the aircraft in danger of catching fire from the leaking gasoline, he bravely remained in the area, accurately adjusting artillery fire until the enemy was dispersed with heavy losses. By his outstanding courage and gallant devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Cail materially aided in repulsing the hostile attack and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.