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 Corporal Jonathan R. Ayers, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, during an enemy attack on Vehicle Patrol Base Wanat, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Corporal Ayers’ perseverance under fire and courage in the face of mortal danger, at the cost of his own life, saved the day when almost all had been lost. Corporal Ayers’ valorous efforts, enabling the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force, are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.