(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 First Class Michael Scott Onstine, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant for 2d Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, on 30 September 2007 during Operation RUSTUM in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near Baghdad, Iraq. While conducting a raid on the Kha Tun Mosque and an adjacent house, the enemy initiated a firefight with small-arms fire. The platoon returned fire when shrapnel from an enemy grenade ripped through the back of both of his legs and shoulder. Sergeant First Class Onstine refused medical treatment, electing to remain with his platoon until the enemy broke contact and other wounded paratroopers had been evacuated. In a follow-on mission, the platoon was again ambushed and was receiving small -arms fire and grenade attacks from three separate positions as they approached their target’s house. Three paratroopers, an Iraqi interpreter and a human intelligence source were immediately wounded. Sergeant First Class Onstine and the platoon medic rushed to the aid of a wounded paratrooper as enemy rounds impacted around them. Sergeant First Class Onstine remained completely exposed in an alley, providing cover fire so the wounded could be moved, while ordering massive fire on enemy positions. When it became clear support would not reach his men, still pinned down, he volunteered to stay behind covering his platoon’s withdrawal while engaging nearly twenty insurgents with his M-4 and grenades. Sergeant First Class Onstine’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, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.