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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients DIAS, RALPH E. Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3d Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein) FMF.
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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients DIAS, RALPH E. Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3d Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein) FMF.
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Citation: 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 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, 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 machinegun 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 to his country.