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 Technical Sergeant Kevin G. Whalen, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with as a member of the Tactical Air Control Party, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, in the Gayan Valley, Afghanistan, on 19 July 2003. On that date, Sergeant Whalen, while serving in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and attached to the Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 344, was involved in a sustained fire fight with Taliban and Al Qaeda forces. Sergeant Whalen was part of a combat patrol in the Gayan Valley. The lead vehicle, comprised of Afghan Military Forces, was struck by extremely accurate small arms fire, critically wounding one soldier and forcing the convoy to stall in the kill zone. Sergeant Whalen immediately returned effective fire with the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher. With total disregard for his own safety and while exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Whalen elected to remain on the weapon system to allow his team members and the Afghan Military Forces to secure covered positions. Although receiving effective fire from three directions, Sergeant Whalen continued to engage enemy positions until his weapon malfunctioned due to 6 direct hits. While restoring his weapon, Sergeant Whalen received small arms fire in the left arm and was hit in the abdomen just below his protective body armor plate. Sergeant Whalen dropped through the turret and crawled out of the driver’s door of the vehicle where he began self-aid. While attempting to stop his own bleeding he recovered his radio and requested immediate Close Air Support. Sergeant Whalen received two Marine Corps Harriers to aid in the team’s defense. However, the Afghan Military Forces had now reached the attackers and were now in extremely close proximity. To ensure the safety of friendly forces, Sergeant Whalen immediately began talking the pilots on to coalition positions. Although wounded and fighting off the effects of oncoming shock, Sergeant Whalen retained the presence of mind to restrict the Harriers to guns only while engaging fortified enemy positions along the ridgeline halting enemy actions. Through his selfless actions the team was able to recover the disabled vehicle and exit the kill zone. Sergeant Whalen insisted that the other wounded soldiers be evacuated first and retained control of supporting aircraft until he received a medical evacuation himself. Displaying tenacity, he refused to stay in the hospital and returned to his team 48 hours later to continue combat missions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Whalen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.