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 Shannon R. Kay, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Staff Sergeant Kay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the performance of outstanding valor to the United States as 1st Squad Leader, Recon Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 11 December 2004, in Iraq. His heroic actions during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission, his bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.