Private First Class Ralph Dias

Ralph Dias, was born on July 15, 1950, in Indiana County Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 9, 1967, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. After completing his training, Dias was deployed to Vietnam in April 1969. He served as a rifleman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. On November 12, 1969, during combat, Dias was part of a reaction force that came under heavy enemy fire while assisting a pinned-down platoon. Observing the high casualties sustained by both units, Private First Class Dias displayed remarkable courage. He initiated a bold assault on an enemy machine-gun bunker, the primary source of hostile fire. Despite being severely wounded by enemy snipers while charging across an open area, he managed to drag himself to the safety of a nearby rock. Ignoring his own wounds, Dias bravely ventured out again, only to be wounded once more. Undeterred and unable to walk, he crawled over 15 yards to find cover near his target. With extraordinary bravery, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire, hurling multiple hand grenades at the machine-gun emplacement. Dias remained resolute in his determination to neutralize the emplacement. Despite being wounded by sniper fire for the third time, he pressed on. With a final grenade, Dias successfully destroyed the enemy position, saving the lives of numerous fellow comrades. Tragically, he sustained a mortal wound from another enemy round while accomplishing this heroic act. Dias paid the ultimate sacrifice, gallantly giving his life in service to his country. His valor did not go unnoticed. On July 17, 1974, Vice President Gerald R. Ford posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his family. This distinguished medal now resides at the Ohio Military Museum in Massillon, Ohio. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Dias received several other honors recognizing his service. These include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross Color) with palm and frame, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Civil Action Medal, First Class Color) with palm and frame, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device. Private First Class Dias was laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia, Ohio. His story stands as a testament to bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty. #distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #army #navy #marines #sacrifice #medalofhonor #PurpleHeart #Leetonia #Massillon #Ohio #IndianaCounty #Pennsylvania #Vietnam