Captain Emerald Ralston

Captain Emerald M. Ralston

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Medical Corps) Emerald M. Ralston (ASN: 0-468276), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Officer with the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. The landing craft, upon which Captain Ralston's medical company was coming ashore, was hit twice by enemy shells, setting two of the holds on fire. Captain Ralston immediately rushed into one of the burning holds, calmed the men and organized them to fight the fire. Although painfully burned about the face, he continued to render aid to the wounded. Despite smoke and terrific heat, Captain Ralston fearlessly entered the officers cabin over a burning hold to rescue a critically injured man. He then returned to the shell swept deck to administer to the wounded. When a naval craft came alongside to the rescue, Captain Ralston, although strongly enjoined to remain with the rescue craft, refused and transferred the remnants of his company to an LCM and directed it to the beach. In the face of vicious enemy artillery fire which killed and wounded many of the men, a landing was effected. Although wounded in this landing, Captain Ralston, refusing to take treatment or to seek cover from the devastating enemy fire, made trip after trip into the heavy surf to rescue his wounded and struggling men. En route to the aid station he treated many of the wounded on the beach under hostile enemy machine gun and sniper fire. The personal bravery, superb courage and outstanding leadership displayed by Captain Ralston exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Captain Emerald Ralston on Film

Watch Captain Ralston on the following combat film dvds by Combat Reels:

1st Infantry Division in Europe Fall 1944

3rd Infantry Division Liberation of Western Europe Western Europe $34.99 DVD Details

36th Infantry Division Liberation of Western Europe $34.99 DVD Details

104th Infantry Division Liberation of Western Europe $24.99 DVD Details

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World War II History

  WW2 History - Directive To Eisenhower
  WW2 History - Summary of Operations Europe
  D-Day Planning and Preparation: The COSSAC Plan
  D-Day: Development of Overlord
  D-Day Development of Overlord Part2
  D-Day Development of Overlord Part3
  D-Day Logistical Problems
  German Miscalculations Regarding D-Day
  Preparatory Operations for D-Day
  Enemy Capabilities on D-Day
  The D-Day Assault
  The D-Day Assault Part2
  The D-Day Assault ... Part 3
  Normandy Lodgement
  Normandy Lodgement Part2
  Normandy Lodgement ... Part 3
  The Normandy Breakthrough
  The Normandy Breakthrough ... Part 2
  The Normandy Breakthrough ... Part 3
  Battle of the Falaise-Argentan Pocket