(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 Captain Eric Jacobson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 566 (ODA-566), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq during the Battle of Najaf on 28 and 29 January 2007. Captain Jacobson distinguished himself over two days of battle. While facing enemy fire, he coordinated the efforts of U.S. Special Operations, Iraqi Counter-Terrorist, U.S. Air Force and Army aircraft, Iraqi army and Iraqi police forces. While under hostile fire from enemy machine gun, rocket propelled grenade, small arms, and mortar fire, Captain fearlessly dismounting and led an assault against a 600-man enemy force in order to allow isolated Iraqi Army scouts to return to friendly lines as he maneuvered the lead vehicle of a ground assault. He soon had to provide cover fire after his vehicle stalled while others tried to pull the truck out of the line of fire. Captain Jacobson’s actions helped directly save the lives of fellow soldiers and local political figures. When he was informed that a Najaf deputy governor and intelligence commander were trapped between enemy and friendly forces, Captain Jacobson designated no-fire areas and helped rescue both political figures. He also led a combined ground assault force to recover two pilots after their AH-64 Apache was shot down by enemy fire. On the way to the crash site, the ground assault force encountered heavy enemy fire, and the rear gunner on Captain Jacobson’s Humvee was wounded. Captain Jacobson dressed the wound and immediately resumed actions in the battle. He manned a .50 caliber machine gun to provide suppressive fire after the turret gunner was also wounded. Because of numerous casualties, Captain Jacobson developed a ground medical evacuation plan with detachment vehicles serving as the primary mode of transportation. Captain Jacobson’s 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.