(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 David G. Colucci, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Engineer Sergeant with Operational Detachment Alpha 361 (ODA-361), 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, during an ambush in Afghanistan, on 25 June 2004. While conducting a recovery operation of an improvised explosive device, Staff Sergeant Colucci’s convoy came under attack. Although he suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen, Sergeant Colucci maneuvered his vehicle into a protective position and pulled security for his fellow Soldiers until reinforcements arrived. He then manned the door gunner machinegun while his element moved into a secure area to wait for medical evacuation. His 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.