http://news.soc.mil/releases/News Archive/2008/October/081016-01.html
FORT BENNING, Ga. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 16, 2008)—A 75th Ranger Regiment Soldier will be awarded a Silver Star medal during a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Infantry Hall, here.
Sgt. 1st Class Ray A. Plasterer is being awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States as an assistant team sergeant for a joint task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After Plasterer’s patrol came under ambush from two positions, he moved under heavy enemy fire through an open area and into the kill zone to reach his vehicle to radio for immediate close air support and medical evacuation of wounded personnel. Seeing his radio was inoperable and that he was pinned down in the vehicle, he drove it in reverse back to his men until the truck was disabled. He again braved intense small arms fire to link up with his squad and passed critical information to the ground force commander. His tactical decision making put his unit into a position which allowed them to engage the enemy with deadly precision, maintain fire superiority, and allow the remainder of the force to enter the large building and destroy the last of the enemy combatants. Throughout the two hour fight, his courage and heroism saved numerous lives and led to a decisive victory and the death of 22 enemy combatants.
Plasterer, 29 serves with Regimental Special Troops Battalion, 75th Rgr. Regmt., and has been a Ranger for nine years. He has deployed nine times in support of the war on terrorism.
The Silver Star is the Army’s third highest award for combat valor and is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States during military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, commander of U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., will preside over the ceremony and present the awards.
Reporters interested in covering the ceremony must register with the 75th Ranger Regiment PAO, Tracy Bailey, by 11 a.m. Oct. 17. Please call 706-545-4260 or e-mail tracy.a.bailey@us.army.mil. Please provide the number of news team members, video/still photographers, live trucks (including live hit times) and other special equipment you plan to bring to the ceremony. Special needs or interview requests should be submitted at this time as well. Also, provide after-hours contact information, including e-mail address, so we may keep you advised of any changes to the program schedule.
SFC Plasterer will be available for interviews following the ceremony for media who have properly coordinated with the 75th Ranger Regiment PAO.
FORT BENNING, Ga. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 16, 2008)—A 75th Ranger Regiment Soldier will be awarded a Silver Star medal during a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Infantry Hall, here.
Sgt. 1st Class Ray A. Plasterer is being awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States as an assistant team sergeant for a joint task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After Plasterer’s patrol came under ambush from two positions, he moved under heavy enemy fire through an open area and into the kill zone to reach his vehicle to radio for immediate close air support and medical evacuation of wounded personnel. Seeing his radio was inoperable and that he was pinned down in the vehicle, he drove it in reverse back to his men until the truck was disabled. He again braved intense small arms fire to link up with his squad and passed critical information to the ground force commander. His tactical decision making put his unit into a position which allowed them to engage the enemy with deadly precision, maintain fire superiority, and allow the remainder of the force to enter the large building and destroy the last of the enemy combatants. Throughout the two hour fight, his courage and heroism saved numerous lives and led to a decisive victory and the death of 22 enemy combatants.
Plasterer, 29 serves with Regimental Special Troops Battalion, 75th Rgr. Regmt., and has been a Ranger for nine years. He has deployed nine times in support of the war on terrorism.
The Silver Star is the Army’s third highest award for combat valor and is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States during military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, commander of U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., will preside over the ceremony and present the awards.
Reporters interested in covering the ceremony must register with the 75th Ranger Regiment PAO, Tracy Bailey, by 11 a.m. Oct. 17. Please call 706-545-4260 or e-mail tracy.a.bailey@us.army.mil. Please provide the number of news team members, video/still photographers, live trucks (including live hit times) and other special equipment you plan to bring to the ceremony. Special needs or interview requests should be submitted at this time as well. Also, provide after-hours contact information, including e-mail address, so we may keep you advised of any changes to the program schedule.
SFC Plasterer will be available for interviews following the ceremony for media who have properly coordinated with the 75th Ranger Regiment PAO.