Background
Ruffner was born January 12, 1903, in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1924.
Ruffner was born January 12, 1903, in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1924.
Virginia Military Institute.
Most of his early career was spent in various cavalry units until his appointment as Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Norwich University in Vermont from 1937 to 1940. Ruffner"s unit occupied the center of the United Nations line during the Battle of the Soyang River during the Chinese spring offensive. After his command, Ruffner spent the remainder of the war in Washington working on International Security Affairs in the office of the Defense Secretary.
During this period, he received promotions to lieutenant general and general.
General Ruffner concluded his career as United States. Representative to North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and retired in 1962. He died on July 26, 1982.