(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 Joseph S. Martin, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 29 December, 2004, near Combat Outpost Tampa, in Iraq. Following a massive truck bomb attack that left one American dying and many others wounded, Sergeant Martin’s Stryker was ambushed while racing to reinforce Combat Outpost Tampa when it too was attacked from ambush about a half mile from the Outpost. Sergeant Martin and a comrade prepared charges under the cover of the Strykers, then ran out to un-detonated and highly-unstable bombs previously placed by the insurgents. While enemy fire struck around them, the two men prepared their charges, detonating the IEDs and clearing the road. Sergeant Martin’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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.