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 Ryan A. Ahern, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 17 December 2009, while assigned as a Senior Communications Sergeant with Operational Detachment-Alpha 2214, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Special Operations Task Force-202, Baghram Airfield in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While under attack from a large enemy force, Sergeant First Class Ahern was rendered unconscious when the unit received effective mortar and machine gun fire which wounded him and four others. After regaining consciousness from the blast, Sergeant Ahern quickly identified the location of the enemy and successfully fired numerous high explosive recoilless rifle rounds at the enemy’s position, suppressing their fire long enough to allow other members of the unit to reinforce their positions. Sergeant First Class Ahern’s actions contributed to saving the lives of his injured teammates. Sergeant First Class Ahern’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Special Operations Command Central and the United States Army.