The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ralph L. Shields (MCSN: 831933), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader in a platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Leading his squad around the western edge of Mount Suribachi to join his platoon in attacking numerous hostile installations, Corporal Shields rapidly and skillfully guided his men through an area infested with caves. Realizing the plight of his platoon when it was suddenly pinned down by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from the enemy in the bypassed caves, he promptly placed his squad in firing positions directly facing the emplacements. Despite constant exposure to extremely heavy Japanese fire, he moved from position to position, ordering his men to lay down covering fire in order to protect the evacuation of casualties. By his prompt initiative and his daring tactics under hostile fire, Corporal Shields effected the evacuation of casualties and the reorganization of the platoon, thereby enabling the unit to continue the attack. His outstanding leadership and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.