Ralph H. R. Irwin

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ralph H. R. Irwin (37033377), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 29 March 1945. Sergeant Irwin, acting platoon leader of a reconnaissance platoon, had sent his men into position to protect engineers working on a destroyed bridge. He then placed his armored car in the lead. When his vehicle was hit by anti-tank fire, Sergeant Irwin was wounded. Disregarding his own wounds he returned to the vehicle and removed his wounded gunner. During this action Sergeant Irwin was fatally wounded. His outstanding bravery was an inspiration to all and reflects great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.