- SURNAME
Ruth
- FORENAME
Herbert M.
- UNIT
U.S.N. Seal Team 1 + Seal Team 2
- RANK
Chief Engineman + Chief Warrant Officer
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" device, Navy Commendation Medal
- PLACE
South Vietnam 1967 (SS) South Vietnam 1969 (BS,NCM)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Soda Springs, Idaho
joined USN 1947
UDT-11 1964-66
Seal Team 1 1966-68
Seal Team 2 1968-73
retired April 1976
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Engineman Herbert Merton Ruth, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad leader and assistant Platoon Commander with SEAL Team ONE, Detachment Golf from February to June 1967. Senior Chief Petty Officer RUTH demonstrated constant determination and alertness during the course of reconnaissance patrols, demolition raids, and ambushes in the demanding and hostile environment of the Rung Sat Tidal Swamp, Republic of Vietnam. Senior Chief Petty Officer RUTH led 15 patrols in the Run Sat and participated in more than 15 others as an assistant patrol leader. On 7 April 1967 the SEAL LCM was ambushed by a company-sized Viet Cong force on the Vam Sat river. Fourteen of the 20 SEALs aboard were casualties; three were killed. Senior Chief Petty Officer RUTH was manning a 60-mm. mortar at the time of the attack. Although an enemy airburst killed the man next to him and caused a severe flash burn across Senior Chief Petty Officer Ruth's face, he continued to return fire in an effort to suppress the Viet Cong attack. His determination to remain at his battle station undoubtedly saved the lives of many others on the boat. After clearing the ambush area, Senior Chief Petty Officer RUTH, unmindful of his own injuries, administered aid to his seriously wounded shipmates until they were MEDEVACED. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/56365
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