The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ethan M. Nagel, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as the Recon Platoon Advisor, Embedded Training Team 1-11, 2d Kandak, 3d Brigade, Regional Corps Advisory Command Central, 201st Corps on 27 July 2009 in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. On this day, Corporal Ethan M. Nagel performed in a courageous and exceptional manner while under heavy and concentrated small arms, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a superior number of enemy fighters. While under this intense and close range fire, Corporal Nagel refused to leave behind a fallen Soldier. Suffering from multiple shrapnel wounds himself, Corporal Nagel disregarded his own personnel safety and exhibited heroic and extraordinary battlefield valor while administering medical aid a grievously wounded Special Forces soldier of Operation Detachment Alpha (ODA) 0114. At one point firing his M9 service pistol at approaching enemy fighters at ranges of 20 meters while simultaneously holding an occlusive dressing on the fallen soldier’s wounds, Corporal Nagel held steadfast in the face of overwhelming odds. Persevering through this engagement and eliminating untold enemy fighters himself, Cpl Nagel was the decisive factor that turned the tide of this battle. Corporal Nagel’s heroic actions prevented the very real possibility of this gravely wounded soldier from being captured by the enemy. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Nagel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.