(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 Sergeant First Class Matthew R. Mercado, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM near Tarmiyah, Iraq, on 18 April 2007. Sergeant First Class Mercado’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, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.