The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ralph G. Thomas (MCSN: 257488), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Wire Chief in the Communications Sections of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 14 May 1945. During the defense of Sugar Loaf Hill against desperate and prolonged enemy attacks Staff Sergeant Thomas, learning that greater supplies of ammunition were required by front line units made three trips through heavy enemy fire to deliver the urgently needed ammunition. Undeterred by enemy mortar and artillery fire covering routs of approach he procured a quarter ton truck and trailer and embarked upon his voluntary mission through the darkness. Although his vehicle was several times pierced by shell fragments and he was twice blown from the vehicle by the concussion of enemy shell bursts he relentlessly continued in his task of supplying front line units with ammunition, assisting also in the evacuation of the wounded. By his courage and determination Staff Sergeant Thomas upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.