Staff Sergeant
U.S. Army
1967-1969

Sergeant Frank Rusak served his country in the US Army in Vietnam, earning both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery and heroism. Other honors included a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Over Seas Bar, Marksman Rifle, and an Arm Commendation Medal w/V Device.

Sgt Frank Rusak distinguished himself while serving as Squad Leader with Co. B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division for heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force near Duc Lap in the Republic of Vietnam. 
 
On the 23rd of September 1968, Sgt. Rusak's unit was deployed to reinforce Company A of the same battalion, which had earlier made a combat assault into a hot landing zone and had been contained by an estimated north Vietnamese battalion. 
 
Upon reaching the landing zone, the helicopter containing St. Rusak and his squad, along with Platoon Leader 1st Lieutenant Donald B. Rollings and his RTO, came under intense enemy automatic weapons and rocket fire.  The helicopter was shot down and burst into flames. 
 
Sgt. Rusak with complete disregard for his own safety, moved his men directing fire upon the enemy, while still under fire. Regrouping with Lieutenant Rollings, his RTO,  and helicopter crew on higher ground. 
 
Realizing then that Jorge Riviera was with neither group, Sgt. Rusak accompanied by Sam Whitmire and Jerome Hill, returned to the burning helicopter, still under fire. They located Rivera, wounded in the neck by shrapnel, and brought him back to the secured perimeter, where he was treated. 
 
Later that nightfall, Company A's wounded along with Rivera were medevac'd by chopper to safety. Sgt. Rusak received a shrapnel wound to the left hand and was treated int he field and remained with his men. Sgt Rusak's courageous acts, outstanding leadership, exemplary devotion to duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
 
For his actions, was Sgt. Frank Rusak was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device. 

Sgt. Frank was a proud war veteran and active member of the Outer Van Dyke Amvets Post 27, where he dedicated much of his time and energy to serving his fellow veterans.