(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 Captain Brian Kitching, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion 64th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. On the morning of 4 October 2012, Captain Kitching was patrolling with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, during the second day of Operation Ghalra Sook, a joint led clearance mission between U.S and Afghan National Security Forces. As the platoon was moving through a dense marijuana field they began taking fire from approximately 10 to 12 enemy insurgents. Captain Kitching began directing the platoon to return fire on the enemy position. The enemy fire intensified and a soldier received a gunshot wound to the arm. Simultaneously an Afghan soldier received minor shrapnel wounds from a 37mm grenade. Captain Kitching began ordering a medical evacuation for the wounded and continued to direct his soldiers to suppress the enemy. He then exposed himself to enemy fire while sprinting to a location to better assess the location of the medical evacuation. After the wounded soldiers were evacuated Captain Kitching used a mine sweeping device to clear an area of safety for his platoon to move out of their exposed position and at one point sprinted 100 meters through an open field and enemy fire to pull security for his advancing forces. 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.