The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Richard G. Ruelius (Ruselius) (ASN: 32717597), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 346th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near ****, Belgium, on 7 January 1945. In the course of carrying ammunition to Company K under intense enemy machine gun fire, three men were severely wounded. Private Ruelius, without regard for his own safety, while under direct enemy observation and intense fire, crossed 600 yards of open ground three times and carried the wounded to shelter. Due to the severity of their wounds and intense cold, none of these men would have survived without prompt medical attention. His courageous acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.