The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Carlos I. Ruiz, United States Army, for exceptional heroism in combat while assigned as a Machine Gunner on 5 November 2009, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Specialist Ruiz directly aided in the evacuation and treatment of wounded soldiers during an improvised explosive device strike. Specialist Ruiz’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects distinct credit upon himself, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2d Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), and the United States Army.