(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 Sergeant Christopher Gene Rich, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near Samarra, Iraq, on 19 October 2004. Sergeant Rich was instrumental in ensuring that a multiple car-bomb attack against his unit in Samarra was defeated. Sergeant Rich’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.