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 M. Edwards, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action on 4 September 2005, against an armed enemy while serving as Squad Leader for the Joint Task Force supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Staff Sergeant Edwards’ sound decisions and outstanding leadership, while receiving heavy direct enemy small arms and hand grenade fire, contributed to the success of the mission. While under an intense enemy attack, as the first man to enter the room to clear the building in which his element was fighting, he sustained shrapnel wounds to his right arm and back, as he dove to shield a wounded Ranger from an enemy grenade. He then engaged three enemy attackers in a room, eliminating two and wounding the third, obtaining treatment for his wounds, then returned to the fight to redirect his squad and personally provide security for the medical evacuation. Sergeant Edwards’ distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.