The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Matthew A. Lopez, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II from 14 April to 18 April 2004. While conducting a civil affairs patrol of police stations in the Al Qaim area, Lieutenant Colonel Lopez’ patrol was ambushed by approximately 30 insurgents. Enemy fire tore into his vehicle, striking him in the back and wounding the translator. Disregarding his personal injuries, he returned fire, eliminating several insurgents while directing the maneuver of the patrol’s soft-skinned vehicles out of the impact zone. Despite the chaos of the situation, Lieutenant Colonel Lopez remained utterly calm, executing an aerial medical evacuation of a critically wounded Marine. He fearlessly led the pursuit of enemy fighters in the area, destroying 16 insurgents. After receiving treatment for the bullet wound, he refused evacuation. On 17 April 2004, demonstrating extraordinary combat endurance and command presence, Lieutenant Colonel Lopez led a 48-hour urban assault to destroy an estimated 300 insurgents in the city. His brilliant action resulted in more than 120 insurgents confirmed killed, destroying whole insurgent cells and groups, numerous foreign fighters, and the enemy’s will to fight. Throughout the battle, he placed himself with lead platoons, assaulting insurgent fortified positions in house-to-house assaults and employing mortars and rotary wing close air support. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Lopez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.