The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ronald McNalley (MCSN: 2149765), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 31 January 1968, Sergeant McNalley was participating in a squad size patrol ten miles southwest of DaNang when the unit was directed to reinforce another squad which was engaged with a large enemy force. As the Marines arrived at the position of the beleaguered unit, they came under intense hostile fire from three directions, pinning them down in an open area. The source of the heaviest volume of hostile fire was a heavily forested ridge line in front of the Marines. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant McNalley maneuvered forward to a position within a few meters of the hostile emplacements and, using a radio, requested supporting artillery fire. Throughout the six hour fire fight, he accurately adjusted artillery air bursts directly over the enemy emplacements, while simultaneously adjusting fire near the Marine positions to prevent the enemy from launching an assault. After reinforcements arrived, he steadfastly refused to withdraw to a more covered position and remained in his dangerously exposed position, which provided the best observation of the enemy emplacements. When additional reinforcements arrived, he withdrew to a more covered position and continued to direct accurate artillery fire, which effectively supported a subsequent assault against the enemy positions. By his courage, superb professional ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant McNalley inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.