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 Matthew D. Blaskowski, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Weapons Squad Leader in Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, while engaged with the Taliban and anti-coalition forces near Baluc Kalay, Afghanistan, on 3 May 2005. After air assaulting into a landing zone under highly effective machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire, he moved his squad under intense fire to occupy an uncovered by critical support by fire position. Placing his machine guns behind the minimal available cover, he directed crucial fire on the enemy forces, denying them the ability to maneuver or disengage coalition forces for four hours. Despite receiving a wound to his leg, Staff Sergeant Blaskowski refused to withdraw because his squad was singularly responsible for isolating the battalion objective. His selfless actions and steadfast tenacity forced the enemy to become decisively engaged by advancing assault elements, thereby preventing their escape. Staff Sergeant Blaskowski’s decisive actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.