Ronald J. Shurer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald J. Shurer
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Shurer in 2018
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| Born | December 7, 1978 Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S. |
| Died | May 14, 2020 (aged 41) Washington, D.C., US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 2002–2009 |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Unit | 3rd Special Forces Group |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Army Commendation Medal |
| Other work | Special agent, United States Secret Service |
Ronald Joseph Shurer II (born December 7, 1978 – died May 14, 2020) was a brave United States Army soldier. He served as a Special Forces staff sergeant and a medic. This means he was trained to provide medical care in tough situations.
In April 2008, during the Battle of Shok Valley, Ronald Shurer and his team faced a surprise attack. More than 200 enemy fighters attacked them. Shurer fought for over an hour to reach his injured teammates. He even killed several enemy fighters along the way. For his amazing bravery, he first received the Silver Star medal. Later, in 2016, this award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for military bravery. He received it in a special ceremony at the White House in October 2018.
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Early Life and Education
Ronald Shurer was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, on December 7, 1978. Both of his parents served in the United States Air Force. He spent much of his childhood near Tacoma, Washington. His father was stationed at McChord Air Force Base there.
Ronald graduated from Rogers High School in Puyallup, Washington, in 1997. He then went to Washington State University. In 2001, he earned a degree in business administration. After college, Shurer wanted to join the United States Marine Corps. He was accepted into their officer training program. However, he was later turned down because of a health issue from a bike accident.
Instead, he started working on a master's degree at Washington State. After one year, he decided to join the United States Army. He enlisted in September 2002 from Spokane, Washington.
Military Career and Training
Ronald Shurer first trained to be an army medic. This meant he learned how to give medical help to soldiers in combat. He then qualified to become a Special Forces medic. This special training included working in a hospital emergency room. He also completed a national program to become a paramedic.
On December 1, 2006, he was promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant. He served with the 3rd Special Forces Group. From November 2007 to May 2008, he was sent to Afghanistan. He was part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Battle of Shok Valley
On April 6, 2008, Ronald Shurer's team was on a mission in Afghanistan. They were in the Shok Valley in Nuristan. Their goal was to capture or stop a leader named Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.
While moving through the valley, the team was suddenly attacked. Enemy fighters used machine guns, snipers, and rocket-propelled grenades. Several soldiers were hurt, and the team was stuck on a mountainside. To reach the first wounded soldier, Shurer bravely ran through enemy fire. This soldier had been hit by shrapnel in his neck.
Shurer kept moving up the mountain, fighting back for another hour. He killed several enemy fighters to reach more wounded soldiers. He helped four more injured soldiers. Then, he was hit himself; his helmet was struck, and his arm was wounded. He still kept going, treating a soldier who had lost a leg. He continued helping the injured and fighting the enemy for several more hours. He even used his own body to shield the wounded as they were moved down the mountain. This was to protect them from rocks falling due to the intense fighting. He helped get them to a medevac helicopter.
Ronald Shurer's actions that day are written about in a book called No Way Out: A Story of Valor in the Mountains of Afghanistan.
Special Recognition
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At first, Ronald Shurer received the Silver Star for his bravery. In 2016, the the Pentagon reviewed many awards given since the 9/11 terror attacks. Because of this review, Shurer's award was changed to the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for bravery. He received this special award from President Donald Trump on October 1, 2018. The ceremony took place at the White House.
Awards and Decorations
Ronald Shurer received many awards for his service. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Medal of Honor (the highest award for bravery)
- Bronze Star Medal (for heroic or brave actions)
- Purple Heart (for being wounded in combat)
- Army Commendation Medal (for heroic actions or good service)
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- NATO Medal
He also earned special badges like the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
Life After the Army
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Ronald Shurer left the Army with honor in May 2009. After his military service, he became a special agent for the United States Secret Service. He worked in their Phoenix office. Later, he joined the agency's Counter Assault Team. This team protects important people. He was assigned to their Special Operations Division in Washington, D.C..
Ronald Shurer lived in Burke, Virginia, with his wife and two sons. In 2017, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. On May 14, 2020, he passed away from the disease at the age of 41. Ronald Shurer was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on October 27, 2020.
