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 (Infantry) Lee Arnold Van Arsdale, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 3 and 4 October 1993, during night combat operations in Mogadishu, Somalia. Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale led a foot patrol through intense enemy fire to the aid of decisively engaged friendly survivors at a helicopter crash site. At great risk to himself, Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale constantly exposed himself to small arms, machine gun, and rocket propelled grenade fire while leading his force over 800 meters through a dense urban area. Upon reaching the crash site, Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale took charge of the rescue and evacuation effort and directed the combined force back through hostile fire to an area of relative safety. Lieutenant Colonel Van Arsdale’s leadership under fire resulted in a successful rescue mission. His actions throughout this operation reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.