The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Ralph Linus Walz (MCSN: 0-47422), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 29 March 1953. Assigned the mission of recapturing a vitally important hill position forward of the main line of resistance after sustaining heavy casualties in a counterattack against an enemy outpost, Captain Walz led his men over rugged and difficult terrain under heavy enemy fire to a launching point for a determined assault against the strategic objective. Skillfully maneuvering his depleted striking force up steep slopes in the face of devastating enemy artillery and mortar fire, he succeeded in gaining the crest of the hill despite additional heavy casualties. Through sheer courage and exceptional leadership, he inspired his shattered forces to heroic endeavor in sweeping the hostile troops from the position and in repelling repeated counterattacks by a fanatical and numerically superior enemy force. Fully recognizing the importance of holding the vital position, he exposed himself to the continuing barrage of withering hostile fire to move along the lines, strengthening the company’s defensive perimeter and exhorting his men to hold their positions. Fatally wounded by enemy mortar fire shortly after the success of the mission was assured, Captain Walz, by his exceptional valor, outstanding leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of great odds, served to inspire all who observed him and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.