(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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Justin A. Casillas, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 4 July 2009, while serving with the 3d Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Stationed in a highly dangerous battle zone of Afghanistan, Private First Class Casillas’ unit came under sudden and heavy enemy fire at about 0530 on 4 July 2009. Machine gun, indirection fire and heavy mortar explosions knocked out communications at the base early in the attack. Private First Class Casillas put himself at risk several times, bravely running through the open battlefield without cover to relay mission instructions between command staff and his fellow paratroopers, playing an integral role in the counterattack. Private First Class Casillas was killed attempting to carry a wounded comrade to a distant medical unit. Private First Class Casillas gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.