(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 Dennis B. Unger, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in action on 16 August 2008, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. On that date, Staff Sergeant Unger was part of a 40-vehicle convoy heading back to FOB WARRIOR. About five kilometers from Highway 1, the main road circling Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Unger and one of his squad leaders, Sergeant Steven Morrison, dismounted to clear the route before the vehicles passed. They came to a bridge and checked of Improvised Explosive Devices. The first vehicle crossed without incident, but as the second vehicle, a Humvee, drove up, an explosion blasted the vehicle and threw Unger and Morrison, who were standing next to the truck, at least 50 feet and knocked them unconscious. When he regained consciousness, Staff Sergeant Unger found his platoon leader in a dazed condition, and moved the first vehicle so it could have a better position to cover him. He and Sergeant Morrison then pulled the driver, who was trapped inside the Humvee, from the vehicle. As Staff Sergeant Unger treated the wounded, other soldiers fired back at the enemy to cover him. When MEDEVAC helicopters arrived to evacuate the wounded, Staff Sergeant Unger remained behind so as not to leave the remainder of the men without a platoon sergeant to command. 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.