A retired Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) from the United States Army has passed away due to lung cancer.
Former medic Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer II was 41 years old. His wife Miranda confirmed the news of her husband’s death to numerous media sources.
Shurer had been awarded the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump in 2018. The highest recognition of the army was given to Shurer for the bravery that he showed when he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008.
In 2018, the White House explained how Shurer risked his own life to treat one of his squad mates under enemy fire. After bravely treating another group of four soldiers, the sergeant led everyone to safety while providing cover for everyone else. Moreover, he returned to the battlefield after the wounded soldiers were evacuated to safety.
Yet even for a hero like SSG Shurer, tragedy struck in the form of lung cancer in 2017. While continuing to fight against the disease, he received the Medal of Honor from his commander in chief.
The Medal of Honor is the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon a soldier. To be given a MOH, the soldier must have solid proof that he has done something truly extraordinary. Throughout the entire history of the US, only 3,520 have been awarded.
Shurer is survived by his wife Miranda and his two sons who are pictured above. Miranda told reporters that the very same traits and character that made her husband a trusted soldier in the battlefields made him a great husband, father and friend to everyone that knew him.
A ceremony to commemorate him will be held at Arlington Cemetery once the global pandemic subsides. Miranda explained that the family wanted everyone who remembered SSG Shurer to come together and remember him.
The US Secret Service, where Shurer worked at after being discharged from the military, expressed its condolences via Twitter. Calling Shurer an American hero, the agency said that his memory and legacy will live on long after his death.
Miranda said that she was still coming into terms with her husband’s death. She added that it is still great that more people got to know of what an incredible man her husband was, and thanked everyone who reached out to her and her family during these times.
We salute you for all you have done, and send our thoughts to Miranda, Cameron and Tom. Give your condolences in the comments, and share this story with your Facebook friends.
Replaced!