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 David T. Weigel, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 February 2009, while serving as a Weapons Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3123 (ODA-3123), Special Operations Task Force-31, Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While conducting a joint reconnaissance mission, the rear Ground Mobility Vehicle in Sergeant First Class Weigel’s patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device, initiating an enemy ambush. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he remained in an exposed position in order to lay suppressing fire on the enemy and allow for his wounded teammates to be moved to safety. Without regard to the continuous secondary explosions from the destroyed vehicles and without cover fire, Sergeant First Class Weigel fought his way to where a wounded Soldier lay and began moving him to a covered position. Ignoring his own wounds, sustained from a shrapnel blast, he carried his teammate back to the command post, where he helped load casualties onto other vehicles. Afterwards, despite being continually engaged by the enemy he refused to abandon the ambush site until all of his teammates had been accounted for. His bravery undoubtedly helped save the lives of both American and Afghan soldiers and serves as an example for all Soldiers to follow. Sergeant First Class Weigel’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.