(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 Staff Sergeant Matthew J. Ritenour, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving the 2d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 4 September 2007, in Afghanistan. On that date Staff Sergeant Ritenour and his unit fought against 180 Taliban fighters who attacked Forward Operating Base (FOB) BAYLOUGH, in southern Afghanistan. Although he was shot in the head and partially paralyzed during the battle, Staff Sergeant Ritenour fought on, encouraging nearby soldiers and using a radio to call in mortar fire on the enemy. Staff Sergeant Ritenour’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.