We are honored to introduce the newest member of the Rush Limbaugh Hall of Patriots, United States Marine Nicholas Ludke! Nicholas served two tours in Afghanistan, was awarded a Purple Heart in 2010, and reached the rank of Sergeant.

Nicholas mentioned first hearing Rush’s program over the loudspeakers in the chow hall while deployed in Afghanistan. Nicholas said Rush changed how he viewed the world and opened his mind to conservatism. He loved to hear Rush talk about his love and admiration for America on-air for many years after his service to the United States of America.

While in Afghanistan, Ludke was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Combat “V” for Heroic actions in repelling an enemy ambush. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Ludke left a position of cover to direct his squad & platoon fire and gain fire superiority so pinned down Marines were not injured or potentially killed, and the Marines were able to egress back to cover due to Ludke’s actions. After the enemy subdued, Ludke resumed his role as Corporal of the Guard and assumed control of the security posture for the remainder of the night. Ludke’s heroic actions were instrumental in suppressing the enemy in Buji Bhast Pass. He exposed himself to enemy fire on multiple occasions and was responsible for saving Marines’s lives per a write-up received.

Ludke was hit with fragmentation while dismounted 30 feet from an IED strike. Disregarding the wounds to his head, he continued to direct the Marines against the perceived attack. Upon consolidation, Ludke was immediately evaluated and evacuated. He was diagnosed with a grade 3 concussion upon receiving further medical attention. After a few weeks of rehabilitation, he returned to the platoon and requested to lead his Marines on more missions. Ludke’s devotion inspired Marines to fight regardless of the enemy’s situation or wounds. Nicholas is the true definition of an American hero.