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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Stephen Robert Tangen, United States Army, for Valorous actions against an armed and heavily fortified enemy, while serving as the Platoon Leader of 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 2-327th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). During Operation STRONG EAGLE, on 27 June 2010, caught between intense and accurate crossfire of an enemy ambush, First Lieutenant Tangen placed himself in the line of devastating fire multiple times as he maneuvered his Platoon, which was the spearhead of the assault through the Objective area, at the enemy stronghold of Daridam, in the Marawara District, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Tangen exposed himself to direct and indirect enemy fire several times to help Afghan National Army Soldiers, that were also wounded during the ambush, by physically moving them to cover and safety. First Lieutenant Tangen reconsolidated his forces, regained fire superiority, and continued to move the front-line trace further towards and onto the Objective during the course of an 18-hour firefight. During his actions several members of his Platoon were wounded and killed, he personally secured the remains of his Squad Leader, who received mortal wounds, and moved him under enemy fire to a secure area to return home, leaving no fallen comrade behind. First Lieutenant TangenÕs personal courage, tactical expertise, and professional competence was directly responsible for his Platoons overall success and survival. His leadership and bravery under fire, gallant actions, dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force No Slack, the Bastogne Brigade, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the United States Army.