The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Ralph Snelling Broughton (ASN: 14039356), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, in action against enemy forces on 15 August 1943. Corporal Broughton’s platoon was guarding a vital trail block near Zieta Village when it was attacked by a numerically superior Japanese force. Realizing that he was the only man in his squad who was in a position to deliver effective fire, he ordered all spare ammunition grenades passed to him. While heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire was directed at his foxhole, he stood up and threw grenades into the enemy lines. Observing a Japanese machine gun being set up, he risked his life by waiting until it was ready to go into action before making it the target of a volley of grenades with which he destroyed both the weapon and its crew. His boldness, alertness and marksmanship blocked the advance of the enemy and enabled him to deploy his squad for a concentration of effective fire. Corporal Broughton’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.