(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 Specialist Jose Maldonado Vega, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with the 130th Engineer Battalion, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq on 14 June 2007. Specialist Maldonado Vega’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.