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 Master Sergeant John J. Terzian, II, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 313 (ODA-313), 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan, on 15 May 2004. Master Sergeant Terzian’s personal heroism, extraordinary valor and selfless courage enabled his detachment to fight through an enemy ambush. He personally saved the lives of his detachment members. Master Sergeant Terzian’s actions while under intense enemy fire and his devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest standards of military service.