Warren Henry Ralya

Corporal
A CO, 1ST AMTRACS, 3RD MARDIV
United States Marine Corps
21 October 1946 - 20 January 1968
Shalimar, FL
Panel 34E Line 091

3RD MARDIV

1ST AMTRACS
Navy Cross

Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Warren Henry Ralya

31 May 1998

ALWAYS REMEMBERED


Recipient of the Navy Cross for heroism.

A memorial initiated by
Bobbalee Hughes
hughes@haysprings.net

The President of the United States
takes pride in presenting the

NAVY CROSS

posthumously to

Warren Henry Ralya
Corporal
United States Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Crew Chief with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1968.

Company A was participating in blocking operations in conjunction with the Junk Fleet and Vietnamese Popular Forces units along the Cua Viet River near the village of My Loc in Quang Tri Province. As Corporal Ralya's platoon was moving into its blocking position, it suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire and antitank grenade attack from a company-sized North Vietnamese Army ambush force, disabling the platoon's tractor and wounding several Marines.

Immediately assessing the situation, Corporal Ralya, heedless of his own safety, unhesitatingly left the relative security of the amphibian tractor and advanced to the open ground on one side of the vehicle and courageously remained exposed to the intense hostile fires while he delivered accurate M-79 grenade fire against the enemy, destroying two automatic weapons positions.

Displaying exceptional combat skill and initiative he fearlessly moved to an open area in front of the tractor where his accurate fire destroyed the North Vietnamese antitank grenade launcher that had damaged his vehicle With the amphibian tractor affording the only protection in the immediate area, he steadfastly remained in his exposed situation and delivered highly effective covering fire that enabled the wounded to be moved to safety behind the vehicle.

Ignoring a painful injury and refusing to move to the protection of the vehicle, Corporal Ralya continued to fire his weapon until he was wounded a second time and knocked to the ground by the intense North Vietnamese fire. He had risen from the ground and continued to place accurate fire toward the enemy when he was hit for the third time. Refusing medical attention, he handed his weapon to another Marine and, armed with hand grenades, began to crawl toward the enemy positions.

He had traveled only a short distance when he succumbed to his wounds. His determined fighting spirit, strong initiative and devotion to duty at great personal risk contributed substantially to the saving of his fellow Marines from further injury and possible death and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

He gallantly gave his life for his country.

30 Sep 2003

I remember you from High School. I remember when Bill Jolly accompanied your body home. He came to my house and we all cried for you. I think of you often and will always remember the words of Bill,

"He was my best friend and his death will haunt me my remaining days."

He went back to Vietnam and when he came back he was never the same until his death. He loved you, we all loved you. You are greatly missed and you will NEVER be forgotten. Ft. Walton Beach Florida has a hero!

From a friend.
E-Mail will be forwarded by the
Webmaster@VirtualWall.org



The point-of-contact for this memorial is
one who remembers,
Bobbalee Hughes
hughes@haysprings.net 
31 May 1998



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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 10/04/2003