The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technician Fourth Grade Ralph S. Hostetler (ASN: 35548452), United States Army, for gallantry in actin while serving with the Medical Detachment, 202d Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against the enemy on 25 February 1945, at Hilfarth, Germany. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he voluntarily entered a mine field which was under constant enemy mortar fire to administer medical aid to a wounded officer. While performing this heroic deed a mine exploded directly under him severely shattering his right leg and throwing him 8 feet distant from his patient. Disregarding the injury, Technician Fourth Grade Hostetler crawled back to continue medical aid to the wounded officer but became unconscious upon reaching his side. Technician Fourth Grade Hostetler was killed by the explosion of another mine while being evacuated from the field. The devotion to duty, intrepidity and high regard for his comrades displayed by this courageous soldier are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.