The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Ralph J. Murdica (ASN: 35069952), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 740th Tank Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 31 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. While advancing on their objective, Technician Fifth Grade Murdica’s platoon met a hail of anti-tank fire. Drawing back to defilade they laid down a barrage of direct fire and again advanced. Reaching the objective it was discovered that supporting infantry had been unable to advance with the tanks because of the intense artillery and mortar fire. With great courage and aggressiveness, Technician Fifth Grade Murdica dismounted from his tank and armed only with his personal weapon, destroyed a great number of enemy infantry and with the aid of two other members of his crew captured two hundred of the enemy. The intrepid courage and aggressiveness displayed on this occasion by Technician Fifth Grade Murdica were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.