A US airman has been given a prestigious medal for heroism after he helped fight off wave after wave of enemy attack during a 13 hour battle in Afghanistan.
Master Sgt Ivan Ruiz, a 56th Rescue Squadron pararescueman based at RAF Lakenheath, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism for courageous acts while serving in Aghanistan in September 2013.
Master Sgt Ruiz was assigned to the 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron as a special operations medic and advisor when his position came under direct enemy fire.
A base spokesman said Master Sgt Ruiz held strong as fighting intensified, climbing a hillside and exposing himself to enemy fire in order to suppress an enemy force.
The 13-hour battle saw the airman repeatedly place himself in danger against a 'superior enemy' to provide direct fire on eight insurgent fighting positions over the course.
The spokesman added: 'With his decisive leadership capabilities, he helped repel multiple enemy attacks and contributed to 103 insurgent deaths.'
He was presented the prize at a hangar by Col Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander.
Lt Col. Jared Herbert, 56th Rescue Squadron Commander, said: 'We are here to recognize Master Sgt. Ivan Ruiz and all the great actions he made in support of combat operations in Afghanistan.
'It's special that the wing commander chose this venue in front of this many people to recognize him and his accomplishments down range, especially with combat valor.'
Master Sgt Ruiz has been assigned to the 56th RQS for about a month and has experienced working alongside other pararescue troops over the course of the 18 years he has served in the US Air Force.
He said: 'The thing I enjoy the most is the guys I work with in the pararescue career field. I love all my brothers, and the best part about my job is them.'
Lt Col Herbert added: 'I think it's very important, especially with any accomplishment or any award, that it be publicly recognized for all the hard work that everyone does.
'Today is a special occasion because it's a not-so-common award, especially with valor, and for the level of audience and how many people were here today. It lets them know there's a lot more going on in the Air Force than just their day-to-day job.'
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