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.