Peter Lara

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Peter Lara, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an enemy of the United States while serving as a Platoon Leader for 2d Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment (Task Force 2-1), 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 19 November 2005, while deployed to Mosul, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Lara, despite being gravely wounded, continued to lead his men in an assault against a fortified terrorist safe house. His actions are directly responsible for the destruction of a terrorist cell and allowing for the rapid evacuation of his wounded platoon members. His men are alive today because of the sacrifice and heroism he demonstrated that morning. Sergeant First Class Lara’s courage, leadership, and complete disregard for his own wounds are in keeping with the highest tradition of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force 2-1 Infantry, the 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.