Ralph E. Dias

Private First Class Ralph Ellis Dias (July 15, 1950 – November 12, 1969) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in November 1969.

Biography Ralph Dias was born on July 15, 1950, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from elementary school in 1965, then attended Elderton Joint High School in Elderton, Pennsylvania, for two years.

Dias enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 9, 1967, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and underwent recruit training with the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.

Upon completion of recruit training in December, Dias was transferred to the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, 1st Infantry Training Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for special infantry training. In February 1968, he was ordered to the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, for duty with Company B, 1st Battalion 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

In April 1969, Dias was ordered to the Republic of Vietnam for duty as a rifleman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.

Dias' medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, 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 Dias was killed in action on November 12, 1969, while participating in combat in Quảng Nam Province. His heroic actions on that date were recognized with his nation's highest military honor — the Medal of Honor. Dias is buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia, Ohio.

Medal of Honor citation

Awards and decorations Dias' awards include:

Legacy The name Ralph E. Dias is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 16W, Line 063. A section of state rt 344 in Leetonia has been renamed in his honor. More information may be found at http://www.morningjournalnews.com/page/content.detail/id/511243/A-day-for-Dias.html.