JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. –  U.S. Army Rangers from 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment are scheduled to be recognized for their combat actions in a valorous awards ceremony at Saint Martin’s Pavilion, Lacey, Wash., March 20 at 6 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the event.

Among the awards scheduled to be presented are two Silver Stars, Bronze Star Medals for valor, Army Commendation Medals for valor, and Purple Heart Medals.

Rangers returned last year from Afghanistan, marking the 15th combat deployment of the battalion in support of the War on Terror since October 2001. 

In more than eleven years of combat, Rangers have established themselves as the nation’s elite Special Operations offensive infantry force capable of planning and executing complex worldwide operations in high-risk, uncertain, and politically sensitive areas. Targeting high value targets across Iraq and Afghanistan, 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment has conducted more than 3,000 raids during its 15 combat deployments resulting in the killing or capturing of thousands of key al-Qaeda, Taliban, and other insurgent leaders.        

Description of Awards:

SILVER STAR MEDAL is the third highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to any person serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces. The medal is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

PURPLE HEART MEDAL is limited to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been wounded or killed.

BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR VALOR is awarded to any person who distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL FOR VALOR is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguishes himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.