12 November

PFC RALPH E. DIAS,
Company D, 1st Battalion
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Son Mountains, RV
12 November 1969

 As a member of a reaction force which was pinned down by enemy fire while assisting another pinned-down platoon.

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 wounded a second time. 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 his 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 to his country.