The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Arthur N. Ralston (MCSN: 2427660), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Scout Observer with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 6 May 1969, the Third Platoon of Company G was occupying a night defensive position near the village of Cam Sa in Quang Nam Province. As the Marines observed several North Vietnamese soldiers moving toward their position, they opened fire on the approaching hostile force and Lance Corporal Ralston quickly adjusted Marine artillery fire on the enemy escape routes. As a result of his actions, the hostile soldiers broke contact, but soon began delivering a heavy volume of mortar fire upon the friendly position, wounding twenty-one Marines, including the platoon commander and his radio operator. Simultaneously, a platoon-sized enemy unit attacked the friendly position employing small arms. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Ralston boldly assumed control of the command group, deployed the men into more advantageous defensive positions, organized first aid for the wounded, and continued directing artillery fire upon the hostile force. After requesting medical evacuation helicopters, he established a landing zone and supervised the movement of the casualties to it. When the helicopters arrived, he briefed the aircraft crews and ensured that all the injured Marines were safely embarked. Returning to the command post, he continued the fire mission and directed the fire of a supporting helicopter gunship upon the withdrawing enemy. As a result of his heroic and timely actions, the hostile attackers were repulsed and six North Vietnamese soldiers were killed. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Ralston upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.