Ralph Ellis Dias

Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. Ge received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Vice President Spiro T. Agnew on July 17, 1974 at Blair House, Washington DC, for his actions as a private first class with the 3rd Platoon, Company D, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, on November 12, 1969, in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. He joined the US Marine Corps in October 1967 and following his recruit and infantry training, he was posted to Camp Pendleton, California. In April 1969 he was sent to South Vietnam and was killed in combat seven months later. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal (with three gold stars), the Meritorious Service Commendation Medal (with one gold star), the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (civil action medal, 1st class color, with palm and frame), and the Vietnam Campaign Medal (with device). His Medal of Honor citation reads: "As a member of a reaction force which was pinned down by enemy fire while assisting a platoon in the same circumstance, Pfc. Dias, observing that both units were sustaining casualties, initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machine-gun 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, Pfc. 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 machine-gun emplacement. Still determined to destroy the emplacement, Pfc. 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. Pfc. Dias' indomitable courage, dynamic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."