The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Juan M. Rubio, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Platoon Corpsman attached to the 4th Platoon, Small Craft Company, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 1 January 2005. During a dismounted patrol along the Euphrates River, 4th Platoon was ambushed in a complex attack by a well-emplaced and determined enemy. As Petty Officer Rubio and an assault element swept through the ambush site, insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device. Rocket-propelled grenades, machine gun, and small arms fire followed immediately after the explosion wounding three Marines. Realizing the severity of the Marines’ wounds, and although bleeding profusely from wounds to his wrist and elbow, Petty Officer Rubio low-crawled across open terrain, exposing himself to enemy fire to provide triage. Working simultaneously on three urgent surgical casualties, Petty Officer Rubio coached his fellow Marines who were assisting other casualties as the volume of incoming fire intensified. Upon stabilizing the wounded for casualty evacuation, he directed the Platoon to provide covering fire as he and several Marines began moving the casualties back towards the watercraft. Without regard for his own life, he once again exposed himself to the heavy and accurate enemy fire moving the Marines from the ambush site to the shoreline. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Rubio reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.