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 (Armor) Ernest Patrick Marcone, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as a Battalion Commander of the 3d Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq. Lieutenant Colonel Marcone’s unit was the “tip of the tip of the spear” as the advanced guard Task Force for the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in the attack to seize Objective PEACH (the decisive bridge over the Euphrates River) and Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 3 to 4 April 2003. After Seizing the Bridge with a daring daylight boat assault with Infantry and Engineers, Task Force 3-69 Armor successfully fought off multiple counterattacks by three enemy brigades on the night of 2 April 2003. Once the enemy attack was broken, Task Force 3-69 resumed the offensive to seize the airport conducting a movement to contact at night against a defending enemy. By the evening of 4 April, the Airport was cleared of enemy, the attack route for the 3rd Infantry Division was secured and up to 6 enemy brigades were either destroyed or rendered combat ineffective. In 72 hours of continuous combat Lieutenant Colonel Marcone’s heroic leadership and dedicated devotion to duty, often exposing himself to enemy fire to inspire his men, 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.