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 Christopher Garrecht Beck, United States Army, for extreme courage and gallantry under heavy enemy fire while serving as the Task Force PHOENIX Commander (1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division), in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 7 May 2011 to 8 May 2011. Lieutenant Colonel Beck’s exceptional leadership and command and control of coalition and Afghanistan National Security forces were the decisive factors in defeating multiple near simultaneous enemy attacks across Kandahar city. His unwavering commitment to the mission and motivation inspired coalition and Afghan national Security forces to succeed and destroy the enemy. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon him, the 1st Special Troops Battalion, the Raider Brigade, Regional Command-South, United States Forces-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.