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 Lieutenant Colonel Scott E. Rutter, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the course of military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Iraq. Lieutenant Colonel Rutter distinguished himself through his exceptionally valorous actions in the early hours of 22 March 2003 as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during a hasty attack in the city of As Samwah. After determining the route ahead was, supposedly clear of enemy, was in fact the site of a previous ambush on a friendly force Lieutenant Colonel Rutter, displayed great poise and adaptability by rapidly and skillfully planning a coordinated attack supported by indirect fire and close air support to destroy a known enemy bunker system. The attack was successful in destroying all 6 enemy bunkers and killing 8 enemy soldiers allowing the lead company to establish a foot-hold to continue the attack against the enemy. Enemy dismounted elements immediately ambushed the lead company as it continued to advance. The fight pushed the company deeper into the town during which it became further enmeshed in enemy fire by more than 100 Iraqi Baath party militiamen. Intense enemy rocket propelled grenade fire, air defense artillery systems in direct fire mode, hand grenades, and automatic weapons threatened to stall or stop the attack. With total disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Rutter moved to the area with the most intense fire in order to maneuver the company and defeat the ambush. Braving numerous rocket propelled grenade and small arms bursts directed at his vehicle he fought forward to destroy the enemy ambush, disengage the lead company and continue to clear the route. Numerous soldiers witnessed him repeatedly place himself in the most vulnerable positions in order to direct the attack. He refused to leave until the enemy was destroyed or broken and he had successfully reoriented the company attack. His extraordinary bravery during his battalion’s first contact with enemy forces ensured the rapid advance of not only his own battalion but key follow-on division assets including a field artillery battalion and two patriot air defense batteries. Lieutenant Colonel Rutter’s fearless heroism as shown in his disregard for his own life while acting to save his men and ensure mission success set a tone for the battalion that directly contributed to its aggressiveness and demeanor throughout the campaign. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit to himself, the 2nd Battalion 7th Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.