(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 James Patrick Swinney, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as a Medical Sergeant, Company B, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in the Battle for Baghdad, Iraq, in April 2003. Sergeant Swinney used his body to shield a wounded soldier when the company was caught in an Iraqi counter-attack. Sergeant Swinney’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.