(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain Edward B. Bankston, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division during Operation STRONG EAGLE III in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan on 29 March 2011. His 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, his unit, and the United States Army.