Ray Michael Fuhrmann II
Specialist, U.S. Army

On 22 March 2005, Specialist Ray Michael Fuhrmann II was serving as a Medical Aidman with the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during combat operations while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

On that day, SPC Fuhrmann’s unit came under enemy fire near Samarra, Iraq. Several Iraqi Army commandos fell and lay exposed in a field between the opponents. Without regard for his safety, SPC Fuhrmann braved extremely heavy enemy fire and went to the Iraqis to treat their wounds. As he treated the wounded, he also fired his rifle and pistol to support his unit's counterattack. When SPC Fuhrmann ran out of ammunition, he seized one of the wounded Iraqis' rifles and continued to fire in support of the assault and to protect the wounded. Specialist Fuhrmann's actions during the firefight saved the lives of 6 Iraqi commandos and helped prevail over the enemy. SPC Fuhrmann’s courageous actions that day earned him the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

SPC Fuhrmann was Killed in Action on 18 August 2005 in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV following a mine assessing mission. His death came five months after his Silver Star action but before his Medal had been awarded. However, he was aware that he would be receiving the medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Medical Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

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 Ray Michael Fuhrmann, II, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 3d Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 22 March 2005, in Iraq. On that date, Specialist Fuhrmann's unit came under enemy fire near Samarra, Iraq. Several Iraqi Army commandos fell and lay exposed in a field between the opponents. Without regard for his safety, Specialist Fuhrmann braved extremely heavy enemy fire and went to the Iraqis to treat their wounds. As he treated the wounded, he also fired his rifle and pistol to support his unit's counterattack. When he ran out of ammunition, he seized one of the wounded Iraqis' rifles and continued to fire in support of the assault and to protect the wounded. Specialist Fuhrmann's actions during the firefight saved the lives of six Iraqi commandos and helped prevail over the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.