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 Specialist Gregory S. Ruske, United States Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action on 21 April 2008, while assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-101 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan. In the face of heavy fire from an enemy ambush and without regard for his own safety, Specialist Ruske directed suppressing fire which allowed his unit to gain advantageous cover. Ignoring wounds sustained in battle, he also led rescue efforts for two wounded Soldiers and remained combat effective until his own medical evacuation. Specialist Ruske’s gallantry, valor, and outstanding performance of duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
While serving with 3d Platoon, Company A, Task Force GLADIATOR, Combined Joint Task Force-101 (101st Airborne Division), during Operation OVERWATCH in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, Specialist Gregory S. Ruske distinguished himself and is cited for exceptional gallantry in action by meritorious and valorous action. On 21 April 2008, Specialist Ruske was conducting a dismounted patrol in the village of Afghanya, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan. At 0800 hours his platoon made contact with a numerically superior Anti-Afghan Force (ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE). The enemy unleashed a heavy volume of RPG, PKM and AK=47 fire from defilade and elevated positions. With himself and his platoon in an exposed position, Specialist Ruske immediately began to suppress the enemy with accurate rifle and M-203 grenade fire. This allowed his element to begin maneuvering to positions that provided adequate cover. During the initial barrage, two Afghan National Police Officers were wounded in the legs and back. They remained pinned down in the open. Disregarding his personal safety, Specialist Ruske bounded from cover to better engage the enemy and provided covering fire for the two fallen ANP Officers. As Specialist Ruske’s platoon maneuvered to a more advantageous position, they were able to reach one fallen ANP Officer. Enemy fire increased drastically, making rescuing the remaining wounded ANP Officer nearly impossible. Seeing this, Specialist Ruske and two fellow Soldiers began maneuvering to a roof top that offered better fields of fire. This served only to embolden the enemy, who quickly shifted fires to Specialist Ruske’s position. During this violent exchange of gunfire Specialist Ruske was shot in the left hip with the bullet exiting his lower back. Specialist Ruske received immediate first aid, and without hesitation returned to the fight. Through 30 minutes of sustained battle, the wounded ANP Officer was able to crawl to within 30 meters of Specialist Ruske’s position. Under cover of fire from his platoon, Specialist Ruske and a fellow Soldier, again disregarding personal safety and the withering enemy fire, bounded the 30 meters to the ANP Officer and dragged him to cover. Specialist Ruske, in need of immediate medical attention himself, began applying first aid to the ANP Officer and immediately rejoined the fight. Specialist Ruske maintained situational awareness, ignoring his own wounds, stayed in the fight for the next three and a half hours before supporting elements could reach their position and facilitate the much-needed medical evacuation. Specialist Ruske’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of valor and heroism Soldiers of the United States Army are known for. This reflects great credit on himself, Task Force GLADIATOR, Combined Joint Task Force-101, and the United States Army.