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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ronald L. Murphy, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 July 1969 while serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle commander with the 919th Engineer Company (Armored), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 3rd Platoon of the 919th Engineers was providing rear security for a convoy traveling to Quan Loi when they were suddenly hit by intense volleys of automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an unknown-size North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial contact all communications had been destroyed except for Sergeant Murphy’s radios. Reacting instantly, he organized his men and directed medical evacuation ships when another antitank rocket smashed into his vehicle, severely injuring his right leg. Despite the painful wound, Sergeant Murphy continued to direct a heavy concentration of suppressive fire on the well concealed enemy positions. He instilled an inspirational spirit in his men, and his decisive actions saved the life of the platoon leader. Staff Sergeant Murphy’s gallant and heroic leadership, along with his complete disregard for his personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.