The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ronald J. Ross (MCSN: 2177979), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Wireman with the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 February 1968. Corporal Ross was a member of a security force accompanying a re-supply convoy on the return from Hue to Phu Bai. Suddenly, the convoy was taken under devastating enemy small arms, mortar, recoilless rifle and machine gun fire from a well entrenched and numerically superior enemy force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, numerous casualties were sustained. Quickly debarking from the vehicle, Corporal Ross brought intense fire to bear on the enemy positions and directed and encouraged his men. Observing an enemy machine gun position which was inflicting numerous casualties upon the Marines, Corporal Ross made an attempt to destroy the weapon with a grenade. As the first grenade fell short, he again braved the fire and threw a second grenade. Taking his last grenade, he stood in full view of the enemy and, undaunted by the hostile fire impacting around him, threw the grenade and destroyed the enemy position. His daring actions enabled the Marines to recover their wounded and move to a more advantageous position. By his bold initiative, dauntless courage and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Ross was instrumental in defeating a larger enemy force thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.