Rogers graduate receives the Medal of Honor

On October 1, former Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II received the Medal of Honor for his life-saving actions in Afghanistan in 2008.

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Photo by The White House

Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer, a 1997 RHS graduate, receives the Medal of Honor from President Trump.

Former Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II, a Rogers High School graduate, upgraded his silver star to the medal of honor on Oct. 1 for his actions in Afghanistan back in 2008. 

The Medal of Honor is the military’s most prestigious personal decoration, given in recognition of acts of valor. After receiving the award, Shurer said, “This Medal of Honor is for those who didn’t make it in past and present battles that are still confronting the enemy, and to my teammates who persevered on April 6, 2008.”

During the ceremony, President Trump praised Shurer’s bravery and selflessness during his time in the army, saying, “Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on April 6, 2008.”

According to military documents, on April 6, 2008, Shurer was working with a team on taking out valuable targets in Shok Valley. As they were going through the valley, shots erupted. Shurer’s unit moved to another unit that was caught in the fire and had many casualties. On the way, he treated a soldier with a wound on his neck.

When they made it to the other unit, he spent hours aiding many wounded soldiers. After that, Shurer and his sergeant were both shot. He ran through gunfire to help his sergeant and pulled him to cover to help. He then ran through gunfire again to help another soldier who had lost his leg.

He later helped evacuate three wounded soldiers down a cliff while avoiding gunfire and shielding others from falling debris with his body.

After graduating from Rogers in 1997, Shurer continued his education at Washington State University. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he enlisted in the army as a response to the 9/11 attacks. Shurer was honorably discharged in 2009, and he now lives in Burbank, Virginia, with his wife and two sons.