RUFFIN, Michael John
| Service Number: | 61309 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Warrant Officer Class 1 |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Special Air Service Squadron |
| Born: | Black Rock, Victoria, Australia, 28 February 1942 |
| Home Town: | Sorrento, Joondalup, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Soldier |
| Died: | Sorrento, Joondalup - Western Australia, Australia, 7 June 2023, aged 81 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | North Beach Wall of Remembrance, Western Australian Garden of Remembrance |
Vietnam War Service
| 5 Feb 1968: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Warrant Officer Class 1, 61309, 2nd Special Air Service Squadron |
|---|
Mike Ruffin
Michael John (Mike) RUFFIN OAM
61309 WO1 RSM SAS Regiment
28 February 1942 – 7 June 2023
Michael John (Mike) Ruffin OAM passed away 7 June 2023 age 81. He was born in Victoria and raised in Tasmania.. At 18 he enlisted in the Army, and served with honour for 26 years.
He deployed to Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam between 1961 and 1969 and served as:
• Instructor, Officer Cadet School Portsea 1976-78
• CSM, 6 RAR 1978-79,
• Instructor, School Infantry 1980,
• RSM, Special Action Forces Directorate 1981, and the SAS Regiment 1982-86
In 1985 he was awarded an OAM for his service as RSM of the SAS Regiment. Mike was past President of the SAS Association, Sub-Warden of the State War Memorial, supporter of Legacy, and valued Sub-Branch member.
Invited in 2022 to be speaker at the Dawn Service, Canberra, he said, “There is a lasting bond with those who have served, and Anzac Day is the day to enjoy each other’s company, reminisce and remember those who are not with us. I am honoured to have been invited here, and very proud to have worn our country’s uniform.”
The Australian War Memorial published Mike’s story, entitled 'We were very lucky, very lucky’.
Mike’s commitment and dedication will be remembered and honoured. He was a proud Australian and veteran.
LEST WE FORGET
Submitted 21 November 2023 by Brian Jennings
Biography contributed by Brian Jennings
Mike was RSM of SAS before his retirement.
Click images to start slideshow.