Ricardo Cerros, Jr.
Specialist, U.S. Army

Ricardo Cerros, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman in July 2010. SPC Cerros graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program in March 2011 and was assigned as a rifleman to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

During 7-8 October 2011, Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr. was serving as a Ranger Squad Automatic Rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, for a Joint Task Force while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On 7 October, while executing a combat mission SPC Cerros was securing an alleyway as members of his squad attempted to receive personnel exiting a compound during a call-out. During this time, SPC Cerros' squad and other members of the Assault Force received effective automatic weapons fire from inside the compound. SPC Cerros' Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant First Class Nicholas Moore, received multiple gunshot wounds and was wounded in front of an open breach leading into the compound. While still in contact with the enemy, SPC Cerros exposed himself to enemy fire in order to pull SFC Moore behind cover. SPC Cerros and the rest of his squad provided security and suppressive fire while a Ranger First Responder treated SFC Moore's wounds. Despite the Assault Force's efforts to eliminate the threat, the enemy was able to throw a fragmentation grenade into the alley that mortally wounded SPC Cerros as he attempted to shield the Ranger First Responder and SFC Moore from the fragmentation. SPC Cerros' valorous actions potentially saved the lives of his fellow Rangers, directly contributed to the Assault Force's efforts to evacuate wounded Rangers, regain the initiative, and defeat a determined enemy. SPC Cerros’ courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards, Badges and Tabs (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
NATO ISAF Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Ranger Tab

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action from 7 October 2011 to 8 October 2011 during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, as a Ranger Squad Automatic Rifleman for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Specialist Cerros, with total disregard for his own personal safety, selflessly exposed himself to automatic weapons fire in order to pull his wounded Platoon Sergeant from an open breach, where his squad was still in sustained contact. Specialist Cerros provided cover for casualty treatment and was mortally wounded while shielding his fellow Rangers from an enemy grenade. Specialist Ricardo Cerros' distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of Military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.

Burial

Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr. is buried at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gary, Lake County, IN.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78004636/ricardo-cerros