This Deceased Marine Profile is not currently maintained by any Member.
If you would like to take responsibility for researching and maintaining this Deceased profile please click
HERE
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist Mate Third Class Ralph Thomas-(NSN: 6244741), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to a Rifle Company of the Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima on 9 March 1945. While attached to the rifle company, Pharmacist Mate Third Class Thomas distinguished himself by his courage, quick thinking, and coolness. While traeting a wounded man in a foxhole, an enemy grenade was thrown into the hole. Ignoring his own safety, he stood on the grenade, thereby taking the full force of the explosion, suffering painful and crippling wounds as a result. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.
