The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class David Edward Ralph, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 19 September 1967. Specialist Fourth Class Ralph was a fire team leader on a search and destroy mission when his squad was pinned down by enemy fire. Another squad was trapped by the Viet Cong and Specialist Fourth Class Ralph attempted to maneuver his squad into position to rescue the others. Realizing he must react immediately, he dashed forward into open rice paddies and began a one-man assault on the insurgents. One in the open, he became the enemy’s primary target as they began directing a torrid hail of fire at him, wounding him several times. Specialist Fourth Class Ralph continued forward and place heavy volumes of fire on the enemy before he died. His gallantry, determination, and unselfish devotion to duty were far above that which is normally expected and was such an inspiration to the distressed squad that they immediately joined in his assault and finally routed the Viet Cong. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Specialist Fourth Class Ralph, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.