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 Brigadier General Lloyd James Austin, III, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy as Assistant Division Commander for Maneuver, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM during the Battle for Baghdad, Iraq, from 20 March 2003 to 15 April 2003. Brigadier General Austin’s expert leadership and direction of the Division’s combined arms fight are in keeping with the highest traditions of senior military leadership. General Austin continually placed himself and the Division Tactical Operations Center at the key point of the battle to provide command and control to the division on a fast-paced and violent battlefield. His gallantry in combat and relentless determination to defeat the enemy reflects great credit upon himself, Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Brigadier General Austin has distinguished himself through exceptionally gallant service as the Assistant Division Commander of Maneuver, 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized), during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, from 20 March 2003 to 15 April 2003. General Austin continually placed himself and the Division Tactical Operations Center at the key point of the battle to provide command and control to the Division on a fast_paced and violent battlefield. He was often subject to artillery and mortar fire as well as direct fire from the fanatical paramilitary forces. General Austin’s firm and unwavering leadership during these times inspired the leaders and soldiers of the 3d Infantry Division to achieve unprecedented accomplishments of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Brigadier General Austin’s gallantry under fire and his command leadership from the front make him especially deserving of the Silver Star Award. During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Brigadier General Austin was the heartbeat of the Division’s attack from Kuwait to Baghdad. He coordinated the indirect fire plan attack, aviation, close air support and ground tactical maneuver securing the international border, which facilitated the Division’s penetration of Iraq’s initial defensive forces. While personally under indirect and direct fire numerous times, General Austin remained at the vanguard of every decisive engagement ensuring combat assets were available at the decisive point of each battle. During the battle for An Najaf, Brigadier General Austin never faltered, spending countless hours, countless days resourcing and controlling the close fight. If troops were in contact, he was as well, expending every resource at his disposal to aid his commanders and their soldiers. After five intense days of fighting, thousands of enemy lay dead, hundreds of technical vehicles strewn across the battlefield, and the Division poised for an attack into Karbala. Brigadier General Austin orchestrated hundreds of Close Air Support sorties, simultaneously controlled several units in contact while clearing fires for multiple artillery barrages and missile strikes. His ability to see the enemy, see the Division, and see the terrain, while issuing concise guidance was instrumental to the success of the Division. As the Division moved to attack Karbala, followed by an eventual push to Baghdad, Brigadier General Austin tirelessly remained focused on resourcing the close fight. His intensity, his desire for more intelligence, and his diligence in trying to do more for soldiers on the ground, sparked the Division Tactical Center and focused them during fight after fight. Again the combined arms fight, coupled with the joint power of the Air Force was brought to bear on the enemy under Brigadier General Austin’s watchful eye and tactically patient hands. Making recommendations to the Commanding General to push hard into Baghdad, Brigadier General Austin forced the enemy to fight a battle they were not prepared to fight, resulting in an overwhelming success, thereby saving the lives of countless soldiers, while inflicting catastrophic damage on the Iraqi forces. With imitative, coupled with confidence and tempered by tactical savvy, Brigadier General Austin’s guidance and leadership enabled the commanders to command with never a doubt that the battlefield operating systems would be there on time and in the right location to defeat the enemy.