Mark Bieger

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Mark Bieger, Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 29 December, 2004, while Commanding a convoy of six Strykers near Combat Outpost Tampa, in Iraq. Following a massive truck bomb attack that left one American dying and many others wounded, Major Bieger’s Stryker was ambushed while racing to reinforce Combat Outpost Tampa when it too was attacked from ambush about a half mile from the Outpost. When several men were wounded, Major Bieger loaded up those who were critical and raced back onto the highway through the patch of still-unstable roadside bombs, traveling unescorted for four miles to a combat support hospital. The prompt and daring actions of Major Bieger saved the lives of two of his soldiers and his actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.