(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 First Sergeant John R. Coomer, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Troop C, 5th Squadron, 73d Cavalry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 16 November 2006, near Turki Village in the Diyala Province, Iraq. During a trench-and-canal clearing operation as part of Operation TURKI BOWL, First Sergeant Coomer exposed himself to enemy fire to cover for his fatally wounded officer. He threw a grenade directly onto the enemy so that a medic could get to the wounded officer. He then returned fire after being ambushed a second time, yet was able to establish a casualty collection point (CCP) and call in close-air support. He saw a wounded Iraqi soldier 15 feet away and again moved under enemy fire to provide initial medical treatment and carry him to the CCP. After First Sergeant Coomer cleared the remaining enemy trench with the rest of his platoon, he motivated his troops through four more days of fighting in which 48 enemy fighters were confirmed killed. The gallant leadership of First Sergeant Coomer, without thought for his own safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.