(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 Lieutenant (Infantry) Karl E. Gregory, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Troop F, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 24 June 200r, in Iraq. On that date, First Lieutenant Gregory led a quick-reaction force mission from Forward Operation Base WARHORSE in Baqubah to a traffic circle in the city center. After two rocket-propelled grenades hit his Bradley fighting vehicle, temporarily blinding his gunner, Gregory took over the gun and killed at least three foreign fighters while his platoon got into position. Maneuvering toward the stadium under intense fire, Lieutenant Gregory’s Bradley absorbed three more grenade hits. He stayed in the exposed turret and continued firing even after taking shrapnel wounds in his face. During his unit’s withdrawal, another grenade and a roadside bomb hit his vehicle, knocking him briefly unconscious before he recovered and reorganized his force. First Lieutenant Gregory’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, his unit, and the United States Army.