(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 First Class Raymond Dakos, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Sergeant in 2d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, in April 2003, in Iraq. On that date, during the attack in Al Hillah, Iraq, an enemy soldier lifted his hands as if to surrender, while another enemy soldier appeared and quickly threw a grenade. Sergeant First Class Dakos shot the grenade thrower and then jumped on a medic who was administering aid to another man, to shield him from the grenade’s explosion. Sergeant First Class Dakos’ 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.