The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Danny S. Santos, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Squad Leader, Third Squad, Third Platoon, Kilo Company, Third Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II on 17 April 2004. Lance Corporal Santos performed heroically during Third Battalion’s attack against militia forces when the lead element of Kilo Company came under intense automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade fire from multiple enemy strong points arrayed in two-story houses. Despite sustaining serious wounds to his shoulder and stomach, Lance Corporal Santos led his squad against the enemy in order to destroy their fortified positions. As the squad’s point man lay wounded in the street, Lance Corporal Santos disregarded his own safety, exposed himself to enemy crossfire and destroyed an enemy position using an AT-4. Under the suppressive fires of his assault man, he dashed into enemy fire and dragged the wounded point man back to the safety of a covered position. Despite his wounds, he remained calm throughout the engagement, consolidated his squad into a defensive position and triaged the wounded. Refusing medical attention until his men were properly treated, he continued to check his squad’s position, and engaged the enemy in adjacent buildings and streets. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Santos reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.