Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ruth, Herbert M. Navy Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to LIEUTENANT (JUNIOR GRADE) HERBERT M. RUTH UNITED STATES NAVY for service set forth in the following, CITATION: For meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Assistant Platoon Commander in SEAL Team TWO, Detachment Alpha, Ninth Platoon from June 1969 to December 1969. During this period, Lieutenant (jg) (then Chief Warrant Officer) RUTH participated in over 60 SEAL patrols, ambushes, raids, reconnaissance missions, and other clandestine combat support operations in the Mekong Delta. The majority of these operations were conducted in areas heavily controlled by the Viet Cong and in the vicinity of their base camps, supply points, and communications routes. Through his bold courage, aggressiveness, professionalism, and selfless devotion to duty, Lieutenant (jg) RUTH contributed significantly to the success of every SEAL mission in which he participated; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. For the President, J. William Middendorf, Secretary of the Navy