Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 299 (July 16, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Bruce M. Ritter (ASN: RA-19290367), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 November 1950, in the vicinity of Unbong-dong, Korea. Company A was attempting to break out of an enemy encirclement and withdraw after having suffered heavy casualties in attacks by numerically overwhelming enemy forces during the preceding night and that morning. The withdrawing forces were unable to break contact with the enemy and remained under continued fire and harassment which became so heavy that it finally became evident that the company could not continue to carry its wounded with them. At that time it was decided to conceal the wounded in a secluded spot until a rescue party could return and bring them out. Corporal Ritter, with two other men, volunteered to remain with them while the company continued its withdrawal. After the company had departed, a group of the enemy discovered their hiding place and attacked. Corporal Ritter and his comrades engaged the enemy in a firefight and drove them out. Then, taking advantage of friendly air activity, they proceeded to withdraw, carrying all the wounded with them. Corporal Ritter carried one of the more seriously wounded on his back for a distance of one and one half miles over the extremely rough terrain. His selfless action in voluntarily remaining with the wounded as well as his subsequent exploits in repulsing the enemy attack and removing his wounded comrades served as an inspiring example to the entire company. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Ritter reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.