First Lieutenant Ruppert L. Sargent was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 15 October 1965. His first duty assignment was with Company B, 4th Battalion 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Six months later he was killed in action. | While leading a platoon of Company B. First Lieutenant Sargent was investigating a report Viet Cong meetinghouse and weapons cache. A tunnel entrance which First Lieutenant Sargent observed was booby-trapped. He tried to destroy the booby-trap and blow the cover from the tunnel using hand grenades, but this attempt was not successful. He and his demolition man moved in to destroy the booby-trap and cover which flushed a Viet Cong soldier from the tunnel, who was immediately killed by the nearby platoon sergeant. First Lieutenant Sargent, the platoon sergeant and a forward observer moved toward the tunnel entrance. As they approached, another Viet Cong emerged and threw 2 hand grenades that landed in the midst of the group. First Lieutenant Sargent fired 3 shots at the enemy then turned and unhesitatingly threw himself over the 2 grenades. He was mortally wounded, and his 2 companions were lightly wounded when the grenades exploded. By his courageous and selfless act of exceptional heroism, he saved the lives of the platoon sergeant and forward observer and prevented the iNew Jerseyury or death of several other nearby comrades. First Lieutenant Sargent’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. | First Lieutenant Sargent's awards and decorations include: the Medal of Honor.