(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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Wentz Jerome Henry Shanaberger, III, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 21st Military Police Company, 16th Military Police Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 24 March 2004, in Iraq. On that date, Sergeant First Class Shanaberger and two other soldiers were escorting a convoy when they came upon a group of Iraqis gathered around a truck on the side of the road. While approaching the vehicle on foot as a security check, the Iraqis opened fire with AK-47s and threw homemade grenades at the three men. Sergeant First Class Shanaberger distinguished himself by his personal gallantry in this action. 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.