(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 Craig Hobbs, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Scout with the Scout Platoon, 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 3 April 2003, near Karbala, Iraq. In the initial movement into Baghdad, Staff Sergeant Hobbs’ platoon made initial contact with Iraqi forces in An Najaf, before moving into Karbala. After leaving Karbala, in movement with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry regiment, the American forces was ambushed on Route CUBS. Forced to stand and fight in place in the middle of the road after the crew of a tank in front of them abandoned their vehicle, Staff Sergeant Hobbs led his scouts in defeating the enemy force in the ambush zone wherein, had the enemy forces been successful, it would have been devastating for the scouts and for much of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. Staff Sergeant Hobbs’ 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.