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 (Army Award) to Captain Brian G. Cillessen, United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as an Embedded Trainer and Marine Advisor for the Afghan National Army Commandos and active member of Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 143 (ODA-143), Combined Joint Task Force PHOENIX, Office of Military Cooperation – Afghanistan, on 23 January 2005. Captain Cillessen’s courage under fire and sound leadership in combat were exemplified when his element was subjected to an intense deliberate enemy ambush. After the lead vehicle was disabled due to a volley of rocket propelled grenades and machine gun fire, he quickly directed the beleaguered column to initiate immediate action in response to the ambush. Further, he exposed himself to a hailstorm of enemy fire on multiple occasions to suppress enemy fighting positions with his M-203 grenade launcher while the remainder of his convoy found covered fighting positions. After recognizing that one of the Afghan National Army soldiers was seriously wounded, he risked his life moving under intense direct fire to render aid. Captain Cillessen’s actions under fire rallied both the Marines and the Afghan National Army soldiers for which he was responsible. His performance of duty in a combat zone reflects great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Task Force PHOENIX, Office of Military Cooperation – Afghanistan, and the United States Central Command.