Ralph E. Dias’ Medal of Honor Citation
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR (Posthumously) to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
RALPH ELLIS DIAS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ralph Ellis Dias, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 November 1969, while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Que Son Mountain, Republic of Vietnam. As a member of a reaction force which was pinned down by enemy fire while assisting a platoon in the same circumstance, Private First Class Dias, observing that both units were sustaining casualties, initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machinegun bunker which was the principal source of hostile fire. Severely wounded by enemy snipers while charging across the open area, he pulled himself to the shelter of a nearby rock. Braving enemy fire for a second time, Private First Class Dias was again wounded. Unable to walk, he crawled 15 meters to the protection of a rock located near his objective and, repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile fire, unsuccessfully threw several hand grenades at the machinegun emplacement. Still determined to destroy the emplacement, Private First Class Dias again moved into the open and was wounded a third time by sniper fire. As he threw a last grenade which destroyed the enemy position, he was mortally wounded by another enemy round. Private First Class Dias’ indomitable courage, dynamic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service to his country.
Born: 15 July 1950 in Shelocta, Pa…. Family received his Medal of Honor from Vice President Gerald Ford at the Blair House in Washington, D.C. on 17 July 1974… Interred: Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia, Ohio