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 J. Julian, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Oruzgan Province of Afghanistan, on 12 October 2005. Staff Sergeant Julian’s personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone, under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He distinguished himself by exceptional valor under fire during combat operations. Staff Sergeant Julian’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.