The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Jonathan D. Gruen, United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Naval Special Warfare Task Group-ARABIAN PENINSULA, Task Unit-FALUJAH Commander in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 15 April to 15 October 2006. Lieutenant Gruen expertly led his task unit in over 35 direct action missions, 25 sniper overwatch missions, 110 reconnaissance patrols and intelligence operations and more than 250 tactical convoys in the Al Anbar Province. Through his outstanding leadership, training and combat advisement of Iraqi Army battalions, he expanded his battlespace from 36 square kilometers to over 400 square kilometers. His task unit’s interaction with their 130 Iraqi Army Scouts was nothing less than extraordinary as hey developed their counter insurgency capabilities. As Helicopter Assault Commander for three combined air assault missions and as Ground Force Commander for 15 combined direct action raids, he coordinated the combat integration of seven different coalition and Iraqi units, which resulted in the capture and detention of 29 Al Qaeda and anti-Iraqi force personnel. Lieutenant Gruen’s distinctive contributions, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.