(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Sergeant Victor E. De La Cruz, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a violent engagement with enemy forces at Combat Outpost KEATING on 3 October 2009, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Once the enemy contact was made, Sergeant De La Cruz quickly got into position as a team leader to direct fire and lead his team in the direction of the enemy’s main assault. He repeatedly exposed himself to accurate small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire in order to point out enemy positions to his Soldiers and move to an Improvised Target Acquisition System position. Due to his technical proficiency, he destroyed four enemy positions, which resulted in a lull in the enemy fire that allowed his section to regain the tactical initiative. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.