FORT CARSON, Colo. – Vero Beach’s Cpl. Helen Ruhl disregarded her own safety while helping to save the lives of her team during a battle in Afghanistan last year. For that bravery, she will receive the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device tonight at a special ceremony.
A 4th Infantry Division soldier and medic, Cpl. Ruhl’s actions were described as “exceptionally valorous” under enemy fire, according to officials at Fort Carson, Colo., where she is based. Cpl. Ruhl, a combat medic, earned the award when her convoy came under attack in eastern Afghanistan on the evening of Sept. 24, 2009.
While wounded and without regard for her own safety, Cpl. Ruhl applied tourniquets to an injured comrade, examined her team, and supervised the application of life-saving medical treatment while laying down suppressive fire, according to a statement released from Fort Carson.
The corporal was medically evacuated to the U.S. and spent several months recovering at Brooke Army Medical hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
Cpl. Ruhl is assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
