Ralph J. Elias

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ralph J. Elias (0-1317381), Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March 1945. When two large task forces were held up by enemy action, Captain Elias’ company was given the assignment of crossing a canal, taking an enemy town, and wiping out resistance that was holding up the advance. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Elias led the assault platoons in this action. When the attack faltered in the face of machine gun and direct artillery fire, he personally went along the line encouraging his men and urging them forward. His splendid leadership and personal courage gave courage to his men and enabled them to carry the attack through to successful completion. Captain Elias’ personal courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.