Daniel Cowart

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Daniel Cowart, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Team Leader in the 1st Platoon, Company D, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 13 May 2007, near Samarra, Iraq. On that date, while on a combat patrol, a vehicle fitting the description of one used by insurgents placing roadside bombs approached the patrol. After a series of warnings, the passengers refused to get out and Sergeant Cowart, with his lieutenant and a comrade, exited their vehicle. Two of the insurgents dismounted and fired at the officer, and the driver of the insurgent vehicle then exited and also attempted to attack the officer, but was tackled by Sergeant Cowart. As Sergeant Cowart engaged in a vicious hand-to-hand struggle with the insurgent driver, the lieutenant began firing. Unknown to Sergeant Cowart the enemy driver was wearing a vest laden with explosives, which subsequently detonated, killing his lieutenant and wounding him in the leg. Due to his ability to process tactical situations instantaneously and his utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Cowart was able to correctly maneuver himself and his men into a position of advantage and, through his tactical know-how, use of terrain, and personal courage, he was able to save the lives of two of his comrades at the cost of his own leg.