The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ralph A. Dallas (ASN: 20504138), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 June 1945. When a convoy was ambushed at Orioung Pass and several men in the lead vehicles were seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant Dallas mounted the vehicle and manned a .50 caliber machine gun, raking the edge of a cliff from which hostile fire was coming. Enemy activity noticeably diminished under this withering hail of fire and Staff Sergeant Dallas maintained the effective fire, although exposed to the observation of the Japanese, until his ammunition supply was exhausted. He then jumped off the scout car, and made four trips to the rear, helping evacuate casualties while exposed to sporadic hostile small arms, grenade, and mortar fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Dallas, 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.