The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Todd S. Desgrosseilliers, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Officer-in-Charge, Task Force BRUNO, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II from 12 to 23 December 2004. On 12 December, Major Desgrosseilliers was leading Task Force BRUNO in clearing operations when several Marines became trapped inside a building by intense enemy fire. During the engagement, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the Marines. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Desgrosseilliers shielded them from the explosion with his own body. Ignoring shrapnel wounds, he rallied his Marines and directed grenade, heavy machine gun and tank fire to destroy the 15 insurgents in the house. On 23 December, Task Force BRUNO came under heavy enemy fire while conducting operations in hostile territory. Throughout the firefight, he personally cleared several rooms and eliminated insurgents with rifle and grenade fire. When one of the Marines was seriously wounded he exposed himself to direct enemy fire and helped drag him to safety. Despite being wounded again with shrapnel during the firefight, he remained in the open to direct a devastating volume of tank main gunfire until the enemy was destroyed. In this engagement, 30 insurgents were killed including key terrorist leadership. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Major Desgrosseilliers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.