Fort Snelling National Cemetery
  M-57-10 

Born:  September 09, 1949 at St. Paul, MN

Entered Service in the US Army from Minneapolis, MN

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Vietnam War For heroism November 29, 1969 at Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam

Staff Sergeant Pruden distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance team leader during an ambush mission. The six-man team was inserted by helicopter to establish an ambush position and obtain information concerning enemy movements. As the team moved into the area, Staff Sergeant Pruden deployed his men into two groups on the opposite sides of a well used trail. As they were establishing their defensive positions, one man was trapped in the open by heavy fire from an enemy squad. Realizing that the ambush position had been compromised, Staff Sergeant Pruden directed his team to open fire on the enemy force and immediately they came under heavy fire from a second enemy element. Staff Sergeant Pruden, with full knowledge of the danger involved, left his concealed position and, firing as he ran, advanced toward the enemy to draw their fire. He was wounded twice but continued his attack until he fell for a third time, in front of the enemy positions. His actions resulted in several enemy casualties and withdrawal of the remaining enemy force. Although mortally wounded, he directed his men into defensive positions and called for evacuation helicopters, which safely withdrew the members of the team.