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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Justin Shane Monschke, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 1 August 2007, under intense enemy fire during the execution of Operation CHARGER in the Balad area of Iraq, while serving as the Senior Weapons Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3224 (ODA-3224), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Monschke’s heroic actions and leadership during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming victory of his Detachment against anti-Iraqi forces. Sergeant First Class Monschke’s heroism is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.