The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ralph H. Watington, Jr. (MCSN: 2104550), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against North Vietnamese Army forces while serving as Rocket Gunner with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during Operation PRAIRIE IV in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 8 May 1967. At 0245 the combat outpost at Con Thien was attacked by a numerically superior Vietnamese Army force. The intense mortar attack was followed immediately by the enemy assault of infantry armed with automatic weapons, satchel charges, rockets and flamethrowers. From his position on the First Platoon lines, Corporal Watington was called to deliver fire onto an enemy 60-mm. mortar position with his rocket launcher. Responding instantly, he leaped from his covered position in the trench line and without regard for his own safety, climbed up on the tank which was forward of the lines. The first round he fired at the mortar position was long, and so he returned to the trenches to collect more ammunition. Once again he braved the vicious automatic weapons fire and the hail of grenades and satchel charges to mount the tank. Standing up in order to locate more accurately the mortar position, he fired again, this time silencing it. He was mortally wounded as he began to move back off the tank. His calm manner and fearless devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him. Corporal Watington’s courageous actions were instrumental in easing the ferocity of the attack on his side of the perimeter, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.