(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 Staff Sergeant Alex C. Howard, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 325 (ODA-325) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in the Bari Ghar Mountains, Afghanistan on 13 March 2004. Staff Sergeant Howard’s dedication to duty and leadership ability greatly contributed to the destruction of three enemy forces and the safe return of his teammates from a sustained 30-minute gun battle and a day-long pursuit of the enemy through rugged, mountainous terrain. 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.