(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 Specialist Larry R. Underwood, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI Freedom, on 21 July 2004, in Iraq. Specialist Underwood was aboard one of two Bradley fighting vehicles returning soldiers from dismounted operations on 21 July 2004, when a roadside bomb struck the other Bradley, setting it afire and instantly killing the driver. Specialist Underwood and his team dismounted their Bradley and, after a brief unsuccessful attempt to free the driver’s body, heard the screams of five soldiers trapped in the rear because the handle had jammed in the explosion. Hampered by heat, smoke and the sound of exploding ammunition, the men couldn’t un-jam the door until Specialist Underwood thought to use his rifle as a pry bar. He opened the stuck door and freed the trapped soldiers just seconds before the Bradley’s fuel cells exploded. Specialist Underwood’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.