SILVER STAR CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John Dooley Rucker (MCSN: 300504), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Leader of a Light Machine Gun Section of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1950. Temporarily transferred from a Headquarters and Service Company and assigned to an infantry company the previous day, Corporal Rucker was quick to act when leading elements were subjected to accurate and intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire during the advance from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri. Moving forward with his section of guns in sub-zero temperatures and under hostile fire, he calmly directed and supervised their emplacement, promptly put them in action and personally made several trips to the ammunition supply point. After the enemy fire had been neutralized, he immediately advanced with his guns to a commanding ridge and continued his valiant efforts to wipe out the position, before he fell, mortally wounded. His courageous leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and unrelenting devotion to duty served as an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Rucker and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.