The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Mark Richard Baaden, United States Army, for valorous achievement on 26 July 2003 in Karbala, Iraq. Captain Baaden distinguished himself when enemy forces engaged him and his team while also placing the lives of numerous civilians at risk. Captain Baaden returned accurate fire and exposed himself to heavy enemy fire twice by running across an open area to rescue an injured Iraqi child that was trampled by the fleeing crowd. Captain Baaden’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Multi-National Force Iraq and the United States Army.