The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Frederick E. Pokorney, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Artillery Forward Observer, Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, Task Force TARAWA, I Marine Expeditionary Force, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 March 2003. During the battle of An Nasiriyah, Iraq, First Lieutenant Pokorney expertly directed artillery fire to destroy heavily fortified enemy positions that engaged the Company with accurate direct and indirect fire. He continuously displayed courage under fire during the engagement through rapid decision-making and confident actions. First Lieutenant Pokorney’s superb coordination of three artillery missions resulted in the destruction of multiple high pay-off targets, to include enemy machine gun positions that were raking his company’s position. Under the heaviest enemy fire of the day, First Lieutenant Pokorney exposed himself to devastating fire while crossing several hundred meters in order to meet with the Fire Support Team Leader. After updating the Fire Support Team Leader on the status of fire missions and additional enemy targets, a volley of enemy bullets, and enemy rocket-propelled grenades hit behind his position, mortally wounding First Lieutenant Pokorney. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Pokorney reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.