Ralph W. Thomas

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ralph W. Thomas, Pharmacist Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to a Rifle Company of the FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 9 March 1945. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Thomas undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.