Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

War Department, General Orders No. 86

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 2nd Infantry Division "Indianhead", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1951

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General of the 2d Infantry Division. Major General Ruffner distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hangyi and Umyang-ni, Korea, during the period from 16 through 24 May 1951. On 16 May 1951, after an ominous build-up of strength, the Chinese Communist forces launched a massive offensive against the Second Infantry Division and two Republic of Korea divisions of the United States X Corps with a force of an estimated 96,000 troops. Although the attack was expected and enormous casualties were inflicted on the enemy, the situation became critical on 18 May 1951, when the Republic of Korea forces, overrun by a numerically preponderant enemy force, collapsed and exposed the right flank of the Second Infantry Division. At this juncture, General Ruffner personally visited the most forward positions to rally his troops and reorganize the defense on a new line. Through his coolness, efficiency and indifference to danger, he assisted in extricating several units which had been cut off, narrowly escaping death on one occasion when the helicopter in which he was riding crashed on a mountain peak within sight of the enemy. On 20 and 21 May 1951, General Ruffner moved his division in a difficult lateral maneuver across the battlefront, then personally led a counterattack against the enemy. As a result of this brilliantly executed counterattack, the hostile forces were routed after suffering losses thirty times as great as those sustained by the Second Division. On 24 May 1951, General Ruffner organized and led a special task force to seize and secure a bridgehead across the Soyang River and sever enemy escape routes to the north. When the troops were stopped by enemy mortar fire, General Ruffner drove his jeep near the head of the tank-infantry column over a road that had not been swept for mines and through the areas of the hostile mortar fire. This fearless action so inspired the officers and men of the task force that they mounted their vehicles and immediately resumed the advance. By his brave and daring leadership the objective was secured in minimum time, thus putting a force twelve miles deep into the territory held by the enemy force and severing two of its main avenues of escape to the north."

Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 416

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 2nd Infantry Division "Indianhead", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1950

Headquarters, X Corps, General Orders No. 12

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Commanding General, HQ, 2nd Infantry Division "Indianhead", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

September 25th, 1951

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, 2d Infantry Division, in Korea, during the period from 14 August 1950 to 8 August 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ruffner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 85 (Bronze oak leaf cluster)

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

November 13th, 1962

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during the period September 1951 to October 1962. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ruffner and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 64 (2nd Bronze oak leaf cluster)

Rank:

General

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

General

Bronze oak leaf cluster

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)