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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph McMullen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a M915 Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Operator of the 243d Engineer Company, 143d Transportation Command, during a combat convoy in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 24 December 2005, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant McMullen’s bravery in response to an IED attack saved the life of Sergeant Divel by moving him away from a burning vehicle, extinguishing the flames on his body and protecting him when a second IED went off. Staff Sergeant McMullen received wounds which ultimately cost him his life. His sacrifice and commitment reflect great credit upon himself, the 243d Engineer Company and the United States Army.