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 Kristopher Kyle Parker, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leder with the 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Operating Location Bravo, United States Forces-Afghanistan, on 21 May 2014. On that date, Technical Sergeant parker and his team air assaulted into Mazghary Mountains, Arghistan District, and Kandahar Province in support of the main effort, 2nd Platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, Task Force White Devil and 4th Kandak Afghanistan Border Police to clear a cave suspected of housing improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and supply caches utilized by enemies of Afghanistan. As Technical Sergeant Parker’s team approached the caves entrance, an extended fire fight began with PKM/AK-47 rounds striking within one meter. He immediately returned fire, holding the insurgents in the cave opening. While leading follow-on approaches to the cave, Technical Sergeant Parker’s team came under attack by small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and hand thrown improvised explosive devices. Having no means of communication with the over watch element, he directed suppressive fire and led the evacuation of a lieutenant injured during the barrage. He also braved enemy direct fire while sweeping the engagement area for explosive devices, and pulling troops to cover, ensuring timely evacuation of wounded personnel. As Technical Sergeant Parker swept, he engaged the enemy continually suppressing and drawing fire upon himself while marking additional cache sites for avoidance by ground forces and later destruction by air strike. By his gallantry and devotion to duty , Technical Sergeant Parker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.