- SURNAME
Cerros
- FORENAME
Ricardo,Jr
- UNIT
75 Ranger Regiment (Company B,2 Bn)
- RANK
Specialist
- NUMBER
- DATE OF DEATH
8th October 2011
- AGE
24
- GRAVESITE
Ridgelawn Cemetery,Gary,Lake County,Indiana
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Salinas,California
born 2.11.1986 Monterey County,California
son of Ricardo and stepson of Deborah A. Cerros,Salinas,California
son of Maqueirte D. Cuevas,Gary,Indiana
graduated University of California,Irvine 2009
entered service July 2010
75 Ranger Regiment March 2011
award Silver Star (posthumous)
KIA Logar Province,Afghanistan
DATE OF DEATH:
08-Oct-2011AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/cerros-ricardo-jr.45574/CITATION:
Silver Star : 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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action from 7 October 2011 to 8 October 2011 during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, as a Ranger Squad Automatic Rifleman for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Specialist Cerros, with total disregard for his own personal safety, selflessly exposed himself to automatic weapons fire in order to pull his wounded Platoon Sergeant from an open breach, where his squad was still in sustained contact. Specialist Cerros provided cover for casualty treatment and was mortally wounded while shielding his fellow Rangers from an enemy grenade. Specialist Ricardo Cerros' distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of Military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE FOR AWARD: Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr. from 7 October 2011 to 8 October 2011 distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic gallantry as a Ranger Squad Automatic Rifleman while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 7 October 2011, while executing a combat mission in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Specialist Cerros was securing an alley way while members of his squad attempted to receive personnel exiting a compound during a call-out. During this time, Specialist Cerros' squad and other members of the Assault Force received effective automatic weapons fire from inside the compound. Specialist Cerros' Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant First Class Nicholas Moore received multiple gunshot wounds and was wounded in front of an open breach leading into the compound. While still in contact with the enemy, Specialist Cerros exposed himself to enemy fire in order to pull Sergeant First Class Moore behind cover. Specialist Cerros and the rest of his squad provided security and suppressive fire while a Ranger First Responder treated Sergeant First Class Moore's wounds. Despite the Assault Force's efforts to eliminate the threat, the enemy was able to throw a fragmentation grenade into the alley which mortally wounded Specialist Cerros as he attempted to shield the Ranger First Responder and Sergeant First Class Moore from the fragmentation. Specialist Cerros' valorous actions potentially saved the lives of his fellow Rangers, directly contributed to the Assault Force's efforts to evacuate wounded Rangers, regain the initiative, and defeat a determined enemy. Specialist Cerros bravery under fire, courageous actions, and dedication to the safety of his teammates were exemplary. He is most deserving of the special recognition afforded by the awarding of the Silver Star Medal. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Specialist Cerros' actions and leadership reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/116534FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78004636/ricardo-cerros
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