(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 Specialist Ryan S. Chester, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, in action on 6 July 2009, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Specialist Chester was part of a mounted combat patrol when his convoy was ambushed by at least 30 enemy insurgents. Without line of sight to the rest of the platoon, Specialist Chester, manning the gun turret, was forced to defend his crippled Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle against effective rocket propelled grenade and light machine gun fire, using the vehicle’s M2 .50-caliber machine gun and several M4 carbines to kill and suppress the enemy. Specialist Chester’s 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, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.