(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) John Frank Ruggles (ASN: 0-18596), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Ruggles, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Frank Ruggles (ASN: 0-18596), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Executive Officer of the 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France, in 1944. When the right company of a battalion in Lieutenant Colonel Ruggles’ regiment broke in the face of a heavy enemy counterattack, the remainder f the battalion was affected in varying degrees, and vital ground that had been gained during the day was lost. Battalion leadership faltered and the battalion was not ready to continue the attack the following morning. Lieutenant Colonel Ruggles was sent to assume command of the battalion. Under fierce enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire, Lieutenant Colonel Ruggles assumed command of the battalion and immediately began reorganizing. He moved among the front lines, reassuring and inspiring units and individual soldiers. His courageous actions, superb leadership, and utter disregard for his own personal safety so inspired the disorganized battalion, that they were able to resume the attack. They recovered the lost ground, stormed a strong enemy defensive position, and by night-fall had captured two towns. Lieutenant Colonel Ruggles’ unerring professional ability, under the most arduous conditions, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.