Ralph Ellis Dias

The database page for Ralph Ellis Dias

21 Feb 2003 Ralph joined 3rd Platoon, Delta Company in April, 1969. At the time I was serving as the Platoon Guide. Ralph was a soft-spoken, quiet Marine who became a member of the M-60 Guns Squad. I left Vietnam in June of 1969. In the late fall, 3rd Platoon along with the rest of Delta 1/7 engaged the enemy in fierce combat in the Que Son Mountains. Ralph along with his squad mate Robert Hamblett died in that battle. Ralph and Robert live in our memories and we owe it to them to never forget their sacrifice. From a Platoon Mate, Neil Wilson neilesmokey2@cs.com

The President of the United States in the name of the Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to Ralph Ellis Dias Private First Class United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following 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.

25 Mar 2004 Ralph, this is Robert's sister Terri Sue. I just want to pay my respects, though well overdue. Thank you for being there for him. GOD wanted two good soldiers on his team and from what I understand you two were chosen. Take care of each other - you two are never forgotten. Sincerely from Robert's sister, Terri Sue Hamblett (Frizzi) terfriz8@aol.com

26 Jun 2006 Uncle Ralph, I just want to thank you for serving our country and giving your life willingly. If it weren't for you I wouldn't be as inspired as I am to become a Marine myself. I just want to say "Thank you" to all the Marines who serve our country daily - you mean a lot to me. If anyone has info on my uncle please email me. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all. SEMPER FI MARINES GUARD THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN From his Great-Niece, Joey Lafleme jamskater1409@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 12 November 1969 a patrol from 3rd Platoon, Delta 1/7 Marines encountered a dug-in NVA company on the north-facing slopes of the Que Son Mountains south of An Hoa. The Marines were caught in the open and were pinned in place by mortar and machinegun fire, taking cover in bomb craters and amongst the stubble of dry rice paddies. Air support was called in to help the infantrymen. The infantrymen were able to break contact, but one of the supporting Cobra gunships was shot down and four of the infantry were killed by hostile fire. The size men were D Co, 1st Bn, 7th Marines LCpl Robert B. Hamblett, Roanoke, VA (Silver Star) Pfc Ralph E. Dias, Shelocta, PA (Medal of Honor) Pfc Carl Henderson, Philadelphia, PA Pfc Jerome Higgins, Springfield, OH (Silver Star) AH-1G tail number 68-15080, VMO-2 Major Howard B. Henry, Baltimore, MD (Silver Star) 1stLt Joseph A. Lofton, Akron, OH

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a Platoon Mate, Neil Wilson neilesmokey2@cs.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 21 Feb 2003
Last updated 10/01/2006