The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Ralph J. Salvati (MCSN: 0-7108), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 February 1968 during Operation HUE CITY, Major Salvati’s unit was heavily engaged in assaulting the city’s Treasury Building. During approximately eighteen hours of intense fighting and on four previous assaults, the Marines encountered a North Vietnamese force using automatic weapons, B-40 rockets, satchel charges, and hand and rifle grenades. Prior to the final assault, Major Salvati supervised the delivery of riot control agents using four E-8 launchers. Quickly carrying the launchers into an open courtyard and despite the intense enemy fire, striking all around him, he began emplacing and arming the devices. When the mechanical firing mechanisms failed, he again disregarded the heavy enemy fire as he returned to the open courtyard and rearmed all of the weapons for electrical activation. Subsequently, he courageously exposed himself to hostile fire to position 3.5 inch rocket launcher teams and direct their fire against the fortified Treasury Building. Throughout the engagement, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety to locate targets and direct accurate suppressive fire on the enemy emplacements. His dauntless courage and inspiring leadership contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his bold initiative, professionalism and loyal devotion to duty, Major Salvati upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.