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 First Lieutenant (Armor) McKinley Charles Wood, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as the Platoon Leader of 3d Platoon, Company A, 2d Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 6 to 7 April 2003. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, First Lieutenant Wood repeatedly exposed himself to intense and accurate enemy fire while directing his platoon’s fires and maneuver. His platoon was the lead platoon for Task Force 2-69 Armor over 21 days of continuous combat operations in Iraq. His heroic efforts resulted in the destruction of numerous enemy tanks, APC’s, and RPG Teams during the attack to isolate Baghdad. His performance of duty in a combat zone reflects great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division (Mechanized) “Rock of the Marne”, and the United States Army.