(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 Sergeant First Class Jason M. Bitterman, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 551 (ODA-551), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq on 6 April 2004. Sergeant First Class Bitterman’s heroic actions during combat operations contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. Sergeant First Class Bitterman’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.