Ronald J. Shurer II was a former United States Army Staff Sergeant who was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his exceptional bravery and heroism during a combat operation in Afghanistan. Shurer was born on December 7, 1978, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Tragically, he passed away on May 14, 2020, after battling lung cancer.
On April 6, 2008, Staff Sergeant Shurer, serving as a senior medical sergeant in the 3rd Special Forces Group, was part of a joint U.S. and Afghan force conducting a mission in the Shok Valley, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. The team’s objective was to capture or eliminate a high-value target.
As the team infiltrated the target area, they encountered heavy enemy fire from well-prepared and fortified positions. Shurer displayed exceptional courage and selflessness throughout the intense firefight.
Shurer repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to provide medical aid and evacuate wounded team members. He braved enemy bullets and shrapnel to treat multiple casualties, stabilizing their conditions and keeping them alive under intense pressure.
In a critical moment, Shurer charged through enemy gunfire to reach a wounded teammate and provided life-saving medical care. Despite being shot in the helmet and sustaining injuries to his arm, he continued to treat and evacuate casualties, displaying unparalleled determination and dedication to his fellow soldiers.
Throughout the battle, Shurer’s bravery and decisive actions inspired his team and enabled them to continue fighting against overwhelming odds. He fought with unmatched resolve and courage, embodying the Army’s Warrior Ethos.
For his extraordinary heroism and selflessness, Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald J. Trump in a White House ceremony on October 1, 2018. Shurer’s actions exemplify the highest standards of military service, reflecting the unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and the protection of his fellow soldiers. His legacy serves as an inspiration to all members of the United States Army and the entire military community.
Medal of Honor Citation
Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on April 6, 2008, while serving as a Senior Medical Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, Special Operations Task Force-33, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant Shurer was part of an assault element inserted by helicopter into a location in Afghanistan. As the assault element moved up a near vertical mountain toward its objective, it was engaged by fierce enemy machine gun, sniper, and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The lead portion of the assault element, which included the ground commander, sustained several casualties and became pinned down on the mountainside. Staff Sergeant Shurer and the rest of the trailing portion of the assault element were likewise engaged by enemy machine gun, sniper, and rocket-propelled grenade fire. As the attack intensified, Staff Sergeant Shurer braved enemy fire to move to an injured Soldier and treat his wounds. Having stabilized the injured Soldier, Staff Sergeant Shurer then learned of the casualties among the lead element. Staff Sergeant Shurer fought his way up the mountainside, under intense enemy fire, to the lead element’s location. Upon reaching the lead element, he treated and stabilized two more Soldiers. Finishing those lifesaving efforts, Staff Sergeant Shurer noticed two additional severely wounded Soldiers under intense enemy fire. The bullet that had wounded one of these Soldiers had also impacted Staff Sergeant Shurer’s helmet. With complete disregard for his own life, Staff Sergeant Shurer again moved through enemy fire to treat and stabilize one Soldier’s severely wounded arm. Shortly thereafter, Staff Sergeant Shurer continued to brave withering enemy fire to get to the other Soldier’s location in order to treat his lower leg, which had been almost completely severed by a high-caliber sniper round. After treating the Soldier, Staff Sergeant Shurer began to evacuate the wounded; carrying and lowering them down the sheer mountainside. While moving down the mountain, Staff Sergeant Shurer used his own body to shield the wounded from enemy fire and debris caused by danger-close air strikes. Reaching the base of the mountain, Staff Sergeant Shurer set up a casualty collection point and continued to treat the wounded. With the arrival of the medical evacuation helicopter, Staff Sergeant Shurer, again under enemy fire, helped load the wounded into the helicopter. Having ensured the safety of the wounded, Staff Sergeant Shurer then regained control of his commando squad and rejoined the fight. He continued to lead his troops and emplace security elements until it was time to move to the evacuation landing zone for the helicopter. Staff Sergeant Shurer’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.