(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) Ross Carlos Pixler, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 30 – 31 October 2007, in Iraq. On patrol in Bawi, Iraq, First Lieutenant Pixler was in the lead inside his armored Bradley Fighting Vehicle when the fiery blast of an IED (Indirect Explosive Device) detonated, ripping the vehicle apart. Killing three soldiers and wounding him. Reduced to two vehicles and dealing with several casualties, and although his men were still under intense fire, Lieutenant Pixler ignored the pain of a broken arm and ankle to dismount and go to the radio in one of his two remaining Bradleys to coordinate close-air support and kept his platoon under control. Dazed by the carnage, he ignored his injuries, found his rifle, began to engage the enemy. Three other vehicles in the convoy were approaching the attack site as First Lieutenant Pixler checked on the unconscious driver and gunner, and then took up a defensive position. Just as he and the rest of the unit began recovering from the attack, scattered mortar and small arms fire bombarded the site. First Lieutenant Pixler was still dazed from the attack as scattered mortar and small arms fire bombarded the site. Disregarding his concussion, he raised his rifle and took a key role in the defense of the position while assistance came to recover the bodies of the Americans. Later, he and the other surviving members of his team were loaded on to another Bradley and withdrawn to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Pixler, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ross Carlos Pixler, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations in Operation BLORE HEATH III, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 21 September 2007 During excessive enemy small arms fire, First Lieutenant Pixler disregarded his own safety to effectively suppress a well coordinated and planned enemy ambush. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Pixler, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the “Hardrock” Company, the “Can DO” battalion, the “Sledgehammer” Brigade, and the United States Army.