(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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class William M. Bennett, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 583 (ODA-583), 3d Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq, on 7 April 2003. Sergeant First Class Bennett’s performance as a member of a two-detachment direct action force was exemplary. His selfless dedication to his fellow Soldiers served as an example for others. Sergeant First Class Bennett’s willing sacrifice of his own life proved instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow warriors. Sergeant First Class Bennett’s gallant actions 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, his unit, and the United States Army.