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 Technical Sergeant Michael L. Keehan, III, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in the Republic of Iraq from 20 March 2003 to 5 April 2003. During this period, as the Battalion Air Liaison Officer, 15th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, Support 3d Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division Mechanized of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Sergeant Keehan’s unit was met with fierce enemy resistance in the heavily defended city of As Samawah. While the rest of his unit was protected by armored vehicles, he repeatedly braved heavy fire from outside his soft-skinned vehicle, quickly calling for close air support as artillery began impacting 200 meters all around his position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Keehan continued to undauntedly brave incoming artillery and small arms fire to identify enemy positions along the riverbanks and roads, destroying them with devastating bomb and strafing runs, often within 600 meters of friendly positions. Mere days following his first major combat operations, his unit was once again thrust into the jaws of an awaiting enemy. After seizing the bridge at Abu Sakhayr, he drove through a gauntlet of heavy small arms fire in the city, returning automatic fire from his door. Despite enemy fire ripping through his vehicle, his calm demeanor lent valor in the face of imminent peril. In what was to be the decisive battle of the war, enemy armored and paramilitary forces surrounded his unit during the largest sandstorm of the century. As the only available fire support and communications link for his unit and surrounded at night and blinded by sand and raining mud, he orchestrated an almost impossible close air support mission on approaching enemy armor formations, delivering a devastating and paralyzing blow to the numerically superior force. Finally, advancing on the main axis to Baghdad, they were attacked by suicide busses, mortars and the enemy’s main tank force. Under intense direct and indirect fire from T-72 tanks, artillery and small arms, he continued to move forward defiantly positioning himself in the face of enemy fire to destroy the enemy force with close air support. Sergeant Keehan repeatedly risked his life for his unit. His courageous acts and selfless devotion to his unit against an armed enemy vowing to fight to the death were directly responsible for total victory and prevented the loss of not a single American life. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Keehan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.