The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Ronald J. Ray (MCSN: 2424199), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 12 August 1969, while Company B occupied a night defensive position, the Marines came under a vicious ground assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Immediately seizing the initiative, Lance Corporal Ray’s platoon quickly organized a counterattack and, while advancing to engage the enemy, was subjected to a heavy volume of mortars, rockets, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. Observing a wounded companion fall in an area raked by hostile fire, Lance Corporal Ray, with complete disregard for his own safety, provided his own covering fire as he fearlessly ran to the side of his injured comrade. Boldly exposing himself to the intense North Vietnamese Army fire, he quickly rendered first aid, then lifted the casualty and, while carrying him toward a rear location, was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Ray upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.