(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 Frederick L. Rowell, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 4 April 2003, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Rowell displayed extraordinary heroism and gallantry when his team came under enemy fire in Iraq. Taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, Staff Sergeant Rowell led his team back to their Bradley Fighting Vehicle during the battle for Baghdad International Airport. After accounting for his men, Staff Sergeant Rowell observed fellow Soldiers of Bravo Team, 1st Squad, who were pinned down in an exposed position, under heavy enemy fire with no leadership. Staff Sergeant Rowell jumped from his Bradley Fighting Vehicle, ran across open terrain under heavy fire to provide leadership for the exposed Soldiers. Upon his arrival, Staff Sergeant Rowell noted that one Soldier had been shot through both legs. He organized Bravo Team and began suppressing fire, applied first aid to the Soldier’s legs and called for an evacuation. Staff Sergeant Rowell became aware that enemy fire was landing around the injured Soldier and used his own body to shield the casualty from further injury. While providing cover, Staff Sergeant Rowell was struck in the middle back of his Interceptor Ballistic Vest by a 7.63-mm round. Staff Sergeant Rowell continued to provide cover and direction to the Bravo Team Soldiers until an evacuation vehicle arrived. The evacuation vehicle was unable to move closer to the team than 100 meters. Staff Sergeant Rowell picked up the injured Soldier and carried him to the vehicle under continued enemy fire. He then remained in an exposed position while the rest of Bravo Team reached the evacuation vehicle. Leaving the evacuation vehicle, Staff Sergeant Rowell again encountered enemy fire as he moved to his Bradley Fighting Vehicle to rejoin members of his rifle team. His 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.