The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Elber Navarro, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Squad Leader, First Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 14 December 2004. During clearing operations, Sergeant Navarro seized the initiative when insurgents engaged an adjacent squad in the center of a house with automatic weapons fire, wounding several Marines. He immediately informed his platoon command of the situation, and prepared to assist the squad in contact. Aware of the time critical nature of the situation, he directed an amphibious assault vehicle to knock a hole in the front wall to gain a foothold inside the house. His squad then received a heavy volume of enemy fire from deep inside the house. Without hesitation, Sergeant Navarro positioned himself just outside the insurgent strongpoint. With enemy bullets impacting all around him, he bravely suppressed the room with fragmentation grenades and semi-automatic rifle fire. Having used all of his fragmentation grenades, he then employed an incendiary grenade that set the room ablaze, and personally eliminated multiple insurgents as they attempted to escape. Sergeant Navarro next led the assault force, spearheading the strongpoint’s destruction and the rescue effort for a fellow Marine. His courageous actions quelled an intense and extremely close-quarters exchange of fire. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Navarro reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Sergeant Navarro is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)