Jose Alvarez

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose Alvarez, Specialist, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On 13 March 2006, Specialist Alvarez distinguished himself at Ramadi, Iraq, as a member of Task Force CURRAHEE, risking his own life numerous times to come to the aid of his comrades. When a barrage of small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades wounded one of his comrades, leaving him incapacitated in the middle of the street, Specialist Alvarez left cover and ran into the kill zone. He covered his comrade’s body with his own and returned fire on the enemy, before dragging the wounded man to safety. Specialist Alvarez’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.