(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 Major (Infantry) Ryan L. Worthan, United States Army, for conspicuous valor and gallantry while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, in action against al-Qaeda and Taliban guerillas during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 29 September 2003, at Shkin Fire Base in Afghanistan. Major Worthan distinguished himself by his leadership during a 12-hour battle at the fire base, which served as a choking point of enemy fighters coming out of the mountains on the Afghanistan and Pakistan border. Major Worthan’s actions led to more than 20 al-Qaeda and Taliban guerrillas being killed after he ordered several Apache attack helicopters and an A-10 Warthog gunship into the area. Major Worthan’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.