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 David B. Wardlow, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, during military operations in Iraq against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Wardlow performed with great valor in the face of enemy fire while serving as a Platoon Sergeant from 5 April 2003 to 6 April 2003. His actions were a direct contribution to the overall success of the 2d Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment and 101st Airborne Division’s mission. Sergeant First Class Wardlow brought great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
On 5 April 2003, as the Platoon Sergeant for 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, as part of a detached Platoon in support of a Light Infantry Company, Sergeant First Class Wardlow’s true warrior spirit and dedication to the mission’s success were directly responsible for the capture of Objective INDIA, ALPHA, and JULIET in the city of Karabala. During 1st Platoon’s initial operation to gain a foothold for the Bulldog Company, his section and supporting infantry squad came under heavy enemy fire. After receiving reports that the enemy had effectively pinned down first and third squads with one Wounded in Action, he immediately came to the aid of his pinned down men providing them lethal covering fire. Without regard to his own life he quickly positioned his Bradley Fighting Vehicle between the barrage of enemy small arms and his infantry soldiers. During this action his soldiers quickly re-mounted the vehicle with the injured soldier, Specialist Larry Brown. Sergeant First Class Wardlow’s actions alone saved the company medics the critical time they needed to provide first aid to Specialist Brown. After ensuring that Specialist Brown was properly evacuated he assembled his Platoon and returned to the fight. His ability to close with and destroy the enemy was critical to the Bulldog Company establishing a foothold inside the city. Sergeant First Class Wardlow was responsible for destroying two enemy gun trucks and 25 paramilitary forces. Upon haring that his platoon leader’s track had been hit and there were nine casualties, he immediately took control of the platoon and executed the daring rescue of all of the injured soldiers. He moved forward putting himself in direct contact with enemy RPG and AK-47 fire in an attempt to shield his men on the ground. His selfless act sheltered his men from the deadly shrapnel and 7.62 rounds resulting in no further injuries. His act saved the lives of his men as they fought 800 meters back through the city to the last friendly infantry Strong Point, where he saw to their medical needs. Once again, Sergeant First Class Wardlow returned to the fight ensuring that the Light Infantry Company had the covering fire they needed in order to execute their mission successfully.