Staff Sergeant Bruce A. Rushforth, Jr. was born on 2 June 1966 and is a native of Middleboro, Massachusetts. He died in an overwater helicopter crash on 22 February 2002 while on a training mission in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

SSG Rushforth volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in 1990. He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he was trained as an Observation-Scout Helicopter Crew Chief (67V). After graduation, SSG Rushforth was assigned to the United States Army National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. In 1993, he was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment and Charlie Company, 2nd Squadron, 1st Aviation Regiment in Katterbach, Germany.

In 1996, SSG Rushforth reclassified to a Medium Helicopter Repairman (67U) and was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Training Company (SOATC), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After completing the Basic Mission Qualification Course (Green Platoon), he was assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion at Fort Campbell. While assigned to Delta Company, SSG Rushforth served as Section Chief, MH-47E Helicopter Technical Inspector, and Flight Engineer. In 2001, he was assigned to Echo Company, 160th SOAR(Abn) in Taegu, Republic of Korea, as a Flight Engineer.

SSG Rushforth was a graduate of the 160th SOAR(Abn) Green Platoon Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC). SSG Rushforth earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

SSG Rushforth's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (w/1 Silver OLC and 1 Bronze OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (w/1 OLC), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Aviation Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. SSG Rushforth was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal.

SSG Rushforth is survived by his wife, Athena; his father, Bruce, Sr; mother, Aurelia; and sisters, Beth and Theresa. He is laid to rest in Bourne, Massachusetts, at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Section 20, Site 339.