The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ralph J. Decker, Jr. (MCSN: 323936), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Refusing evacuation after being wounded twice, Private First Class Decker efficiently covered the advance of a demolition squad despite intense mortar and machine-gun fire and, upon completion of this mission, volunteered to join a patrol searching for enemy positions which had been inflicting heavy casualties on his company. After locating these positions, he immediately placed his gun in action, thereby containing the Japanese forces until his patrol could be reinforced to destroy the strong point. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.