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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant] Orlando Ruggiero (ASN: 0-1015710), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A [then Headquarters and Service Company], 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. As reconnaissance platoon leader, Captain Ruggiero was to lead his platoon in a reconnaissance of the route for tank mobility from the town of Yongsan to Songjin-ni, Korea. The reconnaissance platoon, reinforced by engineers and a platoon of tanks, was suddenly fired upon by an enemy anti-tank weapon. Captain Ruggiero directed fire upon the gun until it was destroyed. A few hundred yards further along the route, he directed the destruction of a mine field. When the third obstacle to their advance, a destroyed bridge, was encountered, Captain Ruggiero continued on foot under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire to check two other bridges between his position and Songjin-ni. Obtaining the information he wanted, he returned to headquarters along the same route under a hail of enemy fire. The gallant conduct displayed by Captain Ruggiero reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Batallion:

    72d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 355 (July 24, 1951)

    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 Captain (Armor) Orlando Ruggiero (ASN: 0-1015710), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a Commanding Officer of Company C, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 May 1951, near Inje, Korea. Company C, as a part of the covering force for Task Force Baker, was given the mission of preceding the Task Force and keeping the Task Force Commander informed of its movement and the resistance encountered from the enemy. Soon after crossing the line of departure, the advance elements of the covering force encountered heavy small arms, mortar, and automatic weapons fire which halted the column. Captain Ruggiero immediately went forward to determine the cause of the delay. Upon four separate occasions, well-defended roadblocks were encountered along the road and each time, Captain Ruggiero, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally directed the fire to eliminate the roadblocks and allow the column to continue. His courageous leadership and coolness under fire was a source of inspiration to his men and contributed materially to the successful occupation of Inje. The gallant actions displayed by Captain Ruggiero reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.