The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Samuel Guardiola, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Section Leader, Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, FIRST Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 December 2004. While searching for enemy weapons caches, Sergeant Guardiola’s section was ambushed by insurgents occupying well-fortified positions. Realizing that they were trapped in the impact zone, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to reorganize and consolidate his Marines. Upon discovering two of his Marines were isolated inside a building, he gathered an assault force to recover them. Sergeant Guardiola used the adjacent rooftop to access the building and reach the Marines inside, while constantly under small arms and grenade fire. Once inside, he found his fallen comrades and immediately planned their evacuation. As the enemy assaulted with a fragmentation grenade, he covered the Marines with his own body to shield them from the enemy grenade, which did not detonate. Despite intense enemy fire, Sergeant Guardiola carried one fallen Marine down three flights of stairs, clearing rooms along the way with his 9 millimeter pistol. Although exhausted and dehydrated, he continued to carry his comrade to the evacuation point. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty. Sergeant Guardiola reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.