The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jerome A. Bruschette (ASN: 0-82453), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Bruschette distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January 1967 while serving as a Special Forces Advisor to a Vietnamese Strike Force during search and destroy operations near Nui Giai Mountain. While Captain Bruschette led his company in seeking out pockets of enemy resistance, his men received fire from caves in a mountainous area. Unable to mount a unified assault against the insurgents, he single-handedly charged the caves. Although he had no cover from the intense fire, he succeeded in reaching the hostile emplacements, killed an insurgent at point blank range and, seconds later, killed another entrenched nearby. Inspired by his aggressiveness, his company followed and drove the twenty remaining Viet Cong down the mountainside. When the rear elements began to receive intense fire from above, Captain Bruschette led a handful of men to their relief. At the point of contact, he ordered his men to remain in place, while he moved alone through the devastating fire to the cut off troops. As forty insurgents moved in on them, he ordered the men to return to the main force, while he stayed behind to cover the withdrawal. Disregarding the friendly mortar fire falling close by, Captain Bruschette killed an insurgent fifteen feet away and recaptured a grenade launcher. His ammunition exhausted, he was forced to return to his men, and later led them down the mountain under cover of darkness. Captain Bruchette’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Jerome A. Bruschette (ASN: 0-82453), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 June 1969. Major Bruschette distinguished himself while serving as Operations Officer for the 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. During the early morning hours on the cited date, Viet Cong soldiers launched a massive mortar attack against Fire Support Base CURRAHEE, Republic of Vietnam. The accuracy of the enemy fire forced all personnel in the vicinity to take cover, leaving many of the wounded laying in the open. Major Bruschette resolutely left the Battalion Tactical Operations Center and moved through the intense mortar fire to carry the wounded soldiers to safety. The barrage, which consisted of more than 50 rounds, continued for approximately two hours and during the entire time Major Bruschette risked his life moving from bunker to bunker to pull out the wounded and assist them to the aid station or to the safety of the operations bunker. As he pulled the wounded in, he used his body as a shield until such time as he was able to get the man to a safe area. In one instance, he moved through the barrage to the artillery fire center which had taken a direct hit, pullout the wounded, and then directed medical aidmen to the position. He reestablished the artillery unit’s chain of command and organized the evacuation procedures. Major Bruschette’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jerome A. Bruschette (ASN: 0-82453), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Bruschette distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 September 1966 while serving as Special Forces Advisor to a Vietnamese unit during a search and destroy mission. His company found itself pinned down in flat jungle terrain by 30 Viet Cong fortified in caves and bunkers. Despite mines, booby traps and punji stake man traps, Captain Bruschette led a handful of men in an assault directly into their fire. During the assault he called in artillery fire and did not lift it until his men could feel the falling shrapnel as they advanced. Disregarding the renewed hostile fire, he continued his charge through a minefield and single-handedly destroyed a hostile emplacement, killing two Viet Cong and wounding one. This bold attack frightened all of the Viet Cong into deserting their positions. Captain Bruschette did not slacken his pace, however, and followed their blood trails to a hidden base camp nearby. His fast pursuit of the Viet Cong led him to a battalion-sized base camp. His entire assault resulted in one wounded and seven dead insurgents, large quantities of documents, ammunition and medical supplies captured, and 50 houses destroyed. Captain Bruchette’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.