(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 Lieutenant Colonel Eric Charles Schwartz, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq, on 4 April 2003. Lieutenant Colonel Schwartz heroic leadership 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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.