Rick Ehrler 1998
Ranger Richard "Dick" Ehrler is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his extraordinary valor in combat and his contributions to the Ranger community for many years. Ranger Ehrler served as a Team Leader with Echo Company, 50th Infantry, Long Range Patrol, of the 9th Infantry Division. During his tour in Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star for valor, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf cluster, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and the coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge. Ranger Ehrler's citation for the award of the Silver Star reflects the ideals of the Ranger Creed. "When his team's night position came under attack from a numerically superior hostile force, Sergeant Ehrler, though seriously wounded in the initial moments of the contact, maintained full command of his men and directed gunship strikes against the enemy. He braved the murderous barrage of hostile fire to load casualties onto a medical evacuation helicopter and then made sure there was no equipment left behind before the remainder of the team was extracted." The citation refers to "seriously wounded". Ranger Ehrler was permanently blinded early in the contact, and half of his six man team had been killed. Ranger Ehrler's actions demonstrated that "surrender is not a Ranger word", and that "I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy." Ranger Ehrler has refused to allow his wounds to limit his activities. His contributions to his community, the Ranger community in general, and his "leading the way" as the current President of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association reflect his passion for life. Ranger Ehrler is a past Vice President of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association, he has compiled a list of all known LRRP, LRP, Ranger, and Ranger Advisors who died in the Vietnam War. He has been a force in the drive to purchase and place, in the Ranger Memorial, a memorial brick in the walkway for each of those brave men who paid the ultimate price. Over 380 total bricks have been placed in the walkway as a direct result of his efforts. Anyone who is fortunate enough to make Ranger Ehrler's acquaintance, soon finds out that this man is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with, despite his loss of sight. Ranger Ehrler's devotion to duty during war and peace demonstrate the true Ranger spirit and determination to allow no obstacle in the path to completing the Ranger mission. Ranger Richard Ehrler truly does "Lead the Way".