(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Infantry) ****** Nelson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in action against the enemy in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL in Afghanistan, on 21 May 2017. Captain Nelson was commanding a clearance operation to drive enemy fighters out of village homes they were occupying and secure a new position to disrupt enemy operations in the area. Captain Nelson had led his troops through the ISIS-Khorasan stronghold of Maktaab Bazaar when they were hit with machine gun and sniper fire. The trail vehicle’s gunner was shot in the head by a sniper, and Captain Nelson ran to the wounded soldier amid the continued enemy fire. He pulled the gunner from the vehicle, called for a medic, requested a medevac and directed close-air support and artillery fire missions. He exposed himself to fire to encourage the Afghan forces traveling with his team to suppress the enemy and shield the soldiers’ movement. Captain Nelson ensured that his dismounted troops got into the armored vehicles while remaining dismounted himself as he ran in front of the casualty evacuation vehicle, drawing fire from multiple enemy positions as he cleared a route for the convoy. He then guided the convoy to the improvised helicopter landing zone, where he helped load the injured soldier onto the medevac. His independent actions that day inspired many to fight back in the face of overwhelming and unrelenting enemy fire, ensuring the safe evacuation of a critically wounded U.S. casualty. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.