The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Dana C. Covey, United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations involving conflict with an opposing force while serving as Officer-in-Charge, Forward Resuscitative Surgery System 3, Shock Trauma Platoon 7, 1st Force Service Support Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force from February to October 2004, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II. Captain Covey led from the front, during convoy operations, under fire, and during stressful surgery. As Officer-in-Charge, he guided a seamless transition into the combat theater, quickly molding personnel into a cohesive team. Invaluable to I Marine Expeditionary Force Civil Affairs Group efforts in western Iraq, he convoyed to the Syrian and Jordanian borders to perform health facility surveys, and repeatedly to Ar Rutbah, Iraq, despite an explosive device detonation and enemy threat. His planning garnered more than 1.2 million dollars for renovation and hospital reconstruction. With the onset of Operation VIGILANT RESOLVE, he was repositioned to Fallujah where he provided superb orthopedic surgical care to hundreds of personnel while personally exposing himself to grave danger during more than 100 indirect fire attacks. A true force multiplier, his exceptional skills would have otherwise required medical evacuation. Captain Covey’s total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflect great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.