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 Sergeant First Class Ronald Gregory Strickland, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 29 May 2007, in Afghanistan. On that date, Sergeant First Class Strickland braved hostile enemy fire in an attempt to rescue the crew of Flipper 75, which was shot down by enemy fire. Sergeant First Class Strickland personally engaged the enemy with multiple weapons to prevent the Taliban from gaining possession of his fellow soldiers. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force to secure the crash site. His exceptional bravery and personal leadership has set the example for the 82d Airborne Division, and is in keeping with the highest tradition of military service.