(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 Lieutenant Colonel Mike Morgan, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Commander, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82d Combat Aviation Brigade, 82d Airborne Division, in action in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan, on 24 August 2009. On that date a U.S. Army Engineer unit known as Task Force TARGET HAZARDS, OPEN ROADWAYS, or THOR, were performing a route clearance patrol sweep (RCP) for improvised explosive devices west of Kandahar City when they hit an IED. After the blast, the RCP began receiving heavy enemy fire in what they soon realized was an orchestrated ambush. Lieutenant Colonel Morgan was air mission commander for a team of two OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters that arrived in support of the RCP. Lieutenant Colonel Morgan repeatedly maneuvered his aircraft between rocket propelled grenade fire and heavy machine gun fire, enabling him to fire on and destroy the enemy positions. His quick reaction, skillful employment of his and other attack weapons systems and coordination of multiple aircraft over a target ultimately led to THOR’s safe withdrawal from the enemy line of fire. Lieutenant Colonel Morgan’s 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, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.