The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ralph Mindick (ASN: 35242504), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 24 February 1945, in the vicinity of Bubingen, Germany. Private First Class Mindick, while under intense enemy sniper, machine gun and mortar fire, descended a railroad embankment known to contain enemy mines to adjust a tourniquet on a wounded soldier. Without regard for his own safety and in his hasty effort to reach the man, Private First Class Mindick slipped and stepped on a schu-mine causing the loss of his foot. Although seriously wounded, he refused to permit others to come to his aid until a safe path had been cleared through the heavily laid mine field. His courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.