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 [then Specialist] Benny J. Alicea, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 4 November 2004, in Iraq. Sergeant Alicea, then a Specialist serving as a rifleman and grenadier in Company A, demonstrated gallantry in the face of the enemy during Operation PHANTOM FURY. While injured and under extreme pressure, he saved the lives of his squad mates. Specialist Alicea’s super-size fires curtailed the enemy’s ability to accurately engage multiple wounded soldiers through an intense firefight. His actions are a testament to his love for his comrades and demonstrate the “Never Quit” attitude of a First Cavalry Division soldier. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, Alpha Company 2-7 Cavalry, the “Ghost” Battalion, the First Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.