(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Scott M. Anderson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy on 8 March 2011 while serving with the 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. While conducting combat operations in Northern Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Anderson courageously led his squad on an assault against a fortified compound, housing heavily armed enemy combatants, while faced with intense enemy direct fire from close range during the mission. Despite being outnumbered, Staff Sergeant Anderson selflessly remained in exposed positions several times throughout the mission, putting himself at risk in order to engage and destroy the enemy and ensure the safety of Afghan civilians as well as his fellow Rangers. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.