Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. — U.S. Army Rangers from 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment will be recognized for their combat actions in a combat awards ceremony at the Evergreen Theater Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event.
Among the awards scheduled to be presented are a Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medals for valor, Army Commendation Medals for valor, Joint Service Commendation Medals for valor and Purple Heart Medals.
Cpl. Paul J. Cusack is scheduled to be presented the Soldier’s Medal for his exceptionally meritorious achievement at the Boston Marathon bombing. With no regard for his own safety, and after running an exhausting 26.2 miles, Cpl. Cusack selflessly subjected himself to unknown peril by running into the immediate vicinity of the blast area following the detonations. Knowing the risk of additional explosives to be extremely high, Cpl. Cusack relentlessly assessed, triaged, treated, and evacuated multiple casualties. He was compelled by an inherent motivation to find and protect his family and to provide aid for the victims of the attack. While others ran away from the scene, Cpl. Cusack, physically and mentally fatigued from the marathon, raced towards the devastation and played a fundamental role in saving the lives of several individuals. He utilized the knowledge and confidence he gained from his training and imparted that wisdom to those assisting in the day’s events.
Rangers returned earlier this year from Afghanistan, marking the 16th combat deployment of the battalion in support of the War on Terror since October 2001.
054-13 Rangers to reveive awards for role in Afghanistan.pdf