(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 Sergeant Zachary L. Swelfer, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in action in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Afghanistan in April 2009. During a patrol in the Afghanistan village of Zangabad, Sergeant Swelfer and others were immersed in a close-range firefight with Taliban forces. Realizing his men were under heavy fire, Sergeant Swelfer directly engaged enemy forces with a rifle and grenade launcher, killing one and saving the life of Sergeant Aaron Barrett. His actions have been credited for helping the men move out of the fight. 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.