(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 Staff Sergeant Patrick W. Brannon, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan on 3 May 2005. A group of scouts from the battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company came across a man while on a morning patrol who told them he had just been beaten up by a group of insurgents near Baluc Kalay. Led by Staff Sergeant Brannan, the scouts investigated and came into contact with an enemy force many times their own numbers. His forces engaged the enemy and called in reinforcements. Staff Sergeant Brannon’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.