The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Erik Oropeza, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life while serving with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 22 May 2007, in support of Operation IRAQI Freedom, in Iraq. Specialist Oropeza demonstrated the highest degree of physical courage coupled with uncommon fortitude while engaged in combat operations against a fanatical enemy. His valorous actions following a deliberate ambush were directly responsible for preventing his vehicle and crew from being overrun by a superior enemy force. His own carbine destroyed, Specialist Oropeza defended his severely wounded crewmembers with the nearest available weapon and defeated a five-man enemy ground assault force maneuvering against him. Specialist Oropeza’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the risk of his own life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.