The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jack Arden Ruffer (MCSN: 0-91880), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early evening of 12 October 1967 during Operation Medina, Company C was moving toward its objective in the Hai Lang Forest in Quang Tri Province when elements of the company suddenly came under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire and grenade attack from a North Vietnamese Army force estimated at two to three companies. Immediately assessing the situation, Captain Ruffer, then a First Lieutenant, displayed exceptional leadership and composure under fire as he quickly deployed his men to defensive positions in a hastily formed company perimeter. Launching a frontal attack under an extremely heavy volume of fire, the North Vietnamese succeeded in penetrating the perimeter between two of the platoons. At the same time heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire was received from the left flank as the enemy attempted an encircling movement. Exhibiting outstanding tactical skill, Captain Ruffer completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to hostile fire while standing to direct his rear elements into position to block the North Vietnamese advance on his left flank. Simultaneously, he organized his platoon and courageously led them in an aggressive counterattack that drove the hostile force from the perimeter. Upon seeing one of his men wounded and lying outside his lines, Captain Ruffer, ignoring the danger to his own life, ran under heavy enemy fire to the fallen Marine and carried him thirty meters to the relative safety of the perimeter. As the North Vietnamese launched another fanatical assault on the Marines’ position and again succeeded in penetrating one section of the perimeter, Captain Ruffer was wounded by a concussion grenade which detonated within two feet of him. Despite his painful injury, he quickly organized his platoon and fearlessly led his men in a counterattack that routed the enemy, leaving four North Vietnamese dead within friendly lines and eleven dead along the perimeter. After consolidating his position, he boldly moved outside the perimeter to evaluate the North Vietnamese positions and guide reinforcing units inside his lines. He then assisted in the treatment of the wounded. Only after all the casualties had received medical attention did he allow himself to be treated. Throughout the remainder of the night, he remained with the wounded to comfort and encourage them. By his bold initiative, courageous leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Ruffer inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.