The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Dennis Woullard, Jr., United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Radio Chief, First Section, Third Platoon, Company A, Fourth Assault Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) from 8 to 11 May 2005, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq. On 8 May 2005, in Al Ubaydi, Iraq, Sergeant Woullard volunteered to assist an infantry squad conduct clearing operations during Operation MATADOR. After clearing several residences without incident, and during a breach of a front door, his team was immediately attacked with heavy machine gun and RPG fire from within. Every member of the team was wounded. Despite his wounds, Sergeant Woullard evacuated two Marines from the residence, and then joined in an assault to recover the remaining trapped Marine. Sergeant Woullard repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire and assaulted into the house. He rescued the trapped Marine shielding him with his body as he carried him to an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) where he administered first aid until en route to the battalion. On 11 May 2005, near the Syrian border, Sergeant Woullard’s AAV was attacked with an improvised explosive device that killed or injured all 17 Marines on board. Although again wounded and disoriented from the explosion, Sergeant Woullard struggled to the rear of the vehicle and opened the personnel hatch. With complete disregard for his own safety and exposed to the intense heat and exploding ammunition, he repeatedly returned to the burning vehicle to evacuate the severely wounded Marines. By his superior leadership, unrelenting determination, and total dedication to duty, Sergeant Woullard reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.