(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 Captain (Field Artillery) Blake William Keil, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Company Commander of Battery A, 2d Battalion, 15th Field Artillery, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, in Iraq, in May 2007. Captain Keil distinguished himself by his gallant leadership in planning and leading multiple operations to combat al Qaeda forces around Mahmudiyah, Iraq. He led countless patrols for days on end detaining a number of high level AQI operatives and discovering literally hundreds of enemy munitions and weapons. Captain Keil’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, his unit, and the United States Army.