(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 First Class Del Rodriguez, III, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq, from 16 October 2006 to 3 February 2007. On that date, Sergeant First Class Rodriguez and about 28 soldiers had taken up positions on a rooftop in a village when they were pinned down by withering enemy fire coming from three directions. As his comrades returned fire, Sergeant First Class Rodriguez crawled to the edge to locate the house from which they were taking the heaviest fire and then called in an Apache helicopter for close air support. The subsequent helicopter attack destroyed the building and the enemy fire ceased. Sergeant First Class Rodriguez’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, the 10th Mountain Division, and the United States Army.