(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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Michael Yury Tarlavsky, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 12 August 2004, in Iraq. Captain Tarlavsky distinguished himself when his unit came under small arms fire and grenade attack in Najaf, Iraq. 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.