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 Rashaan G. Canady, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 4 April 2003, near Baghdad, Iraq. On the afternoon of 4 April 2003, Sergeant Canady drove Captain Tristan Aitken, the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery commander, in his high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV ) as he led a convoy to recover disabled vehicles and return them to the battalion’s maintenance collection point at the Baghdad International Airport Baghdad International Airport. After the convoy recovered four combat vehicles, the enemy ambushed it with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and small arms fire about three kilometers away from the battalion’s position. Sergeant Canady continued to drive the lead vehicle through heavy enemy fire without regard for his own safety or well being. An RPG struck the vehicle on the senior occupant’s side, ejecting Sergeant Canady from the vehicle. Sergeant Canady’s right arm was partially amputated by the blast, and he sustained a significant fragmentation wound to his left hand. Despite his severe injuries, Sergeant Canady moved 150 meters under heavy enemy fire to retrieve his vehicle and his wounded commander still inside. After determining his vehicle could move under its own power, he backed it out of a ditch and drove his mortally wounded commander through a maelstrom of concentrated enemy fire to the safety of B Battery’s position. Sergeant Canady’s bravery under fire prevented the deployment of additional soldiers from the B Battery Quick-Reaction Force to retrieve his convoy, potentially saving their lives as well. Additionally, his dedication to duty resulted in the safe and timely return of essential combat vehicles to the battalion for continuing combat operations. Sergeant Canady’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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.