The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ralph R. Hunter (MCSN: 321548), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a squad leader of a platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on November 1 and 2, 1942. When a company of Marines was held up by the enemy during an offensive in the Natanikau Area, Corporal Hunter skillfully controlled his squad under fire. The following day as leader of one of two squads on a reconnaissance mission he and his comrades suffering heavy casualties at the hands of an overwhelming hostile force, successfully withdrew after locating Japanese positions. Although wounded in the left shoulder and still in a convalescent stage from malaria, Corporal Hunter returned as guide for a stronger combat patrol which launched an effective attack against the enemy. His cool courage and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.