The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Brian R. Von Kraus, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Commander, First Platoon, Alpha Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II from 5 April to 1 August 2004. On 25 July 2004, while conducting clandestine Operation TROJAN HORSE, First Lieutenant Von Kraus’ platoon was heavily engaged in a three-sided ambush by a numerically superior enemy force. With enemy 12.7 millimeter machine gun positions raking the long axis of the convoy and disabling vehicles, First Lieutenant Von Kraus displayed exceptional bravery as he dismounted his vehicle and entered the enemy kill zone to aid his three stricken Marines. Engaging the enemy, he heroically led three separate assaults on different enemy strong points, personally destroying insurgents with rifle fire and grenades. Under a fusillade of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Von Kraus rallied his Marines and led them in close quarters combat resulting in seven foreign fighters killed, two foreign fighters captured, and scores of enemy combatants wounded. His exemplary leadership and tenacious fighting spirit inspired all who observed his personal valor and turned the tide of battle in the face of a resolute and fanatical enemy. By his bold leadership, wise judgment and complete dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Von Kraus reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.