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 Staff Sergeant Raymond E. Bittinger, II, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Bradley Commander for Task Force 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team (Attached to the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery), 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at Baqubah, Iraq, on 9 April 2004. Staff Sergeant Bittinger distinguished himself while fighting through a company-size ambush by a determined and rehearsed enemy force in Behriz, Iraq, and in follow on actions against an armed enemy in Ba’qubah, Iraq. His personal bravery, personal leadership, and heroism under fire contributed directly to saving the lives of friendly forces and the destruction of a platoon-sized force in a high intensity, urban warfare environment. Staff Sergeant Bittinger’s actions reflect great credit upon himself, the First Infantry Division, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.