The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Jose Ruiz (MCSN: 2282540), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On 16 April 1968, Company C was assigned to assist a friendly unit that was pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force located near the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Approaching the beleaguered unit, the Marines suddenly came under intense hostile fire, and in the initial moments of the fire fight, Corporal Ruiz’s platoon sergeant and platoon commander were wounded. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Ruiz unhesitatingly took chare of the platoon and, disregarding his own safety, moved about the fire-swept terrain, skillfully rendering first aid to the injured men. Quickly reorganizing the unit, he ably led an aggressive assault on the hostile emplacements, and when his platoon sustained additional casualties, he rapidly treated the injured Marines. Alertly observing one of his men fall wounded in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, he fearlessly jumped in front of the man and, while shielding his injured companion from the enemy fire, was mortally wounded. By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Ruiz upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.