The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Roderick B. Ringstaff, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Fort Polk, Louisiana, in action in support of Operations JUST CAUSE in Panama, on 20 December 1989. As 2d Platoon began to assault its assigned objective at La Commandancia PDF Headquarters, Specialist Ringstaff, the Platoon Medic, was seriously wounded by intense indirect fire. Specialist Ringstaff ignored his own wounds and intense enemy fire to provide first aid to two wounded soldiers. Upon nearing exhaustion from his own wounds, Specialist Ringstaff dragged a severely wounded soldier to the aid vehicle while shouting encouragement to other wounded soldiers. Upon reaching the aid vehicle, he collapsed from his own wounds and was medevaced. Specialist Ringstaff’s personal bravery and self sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.