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 Specialist David L. Sterling, III, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on 6 April 2004. Specialist Sterling’s vehicle was assaulted by an enemy counterattack and struck by an RPG, critically wounding his platoon leader and himself. He immediately applied first aid to his platoon leader, ignoring his own wounds, and then manned the turret to repel approaching enemy insurgents. Specialist Sterling continued to refuse medical treatment until his vehicle had returned to the landing zone in order to ensure the safe medical evacuation of his platoon leader. Specialist Sterling’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.