(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 Lieutenant Colonel John Douglas Harding, Jr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as Commanding Officer, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq, in April 2003. Lieutenant Colonel Harding provided the decisive combat leadership to every maneuver unit within the division resulting in the defeat of the enemy’s 11th infantry division, the Republican Guard and Special Republican Guard Forces. The defeat of these forces directly led to the defeat of the Saddam regime. Lieutenant Colonel Harding’s courage and performance while under fire were critical to the success of the mission. 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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.