Robert Collins

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Collins, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy forces while serving with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 041 (ODA-041), 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 4 April 2005, near Tawhilla, Iraq. Master Sergeant Collins’ heroism and bravery under intense enemy fire was directly responsible for the safety and well being of a combined 140-man US-Iraqi force and the death of 3 Anti Iraqi Forces (AIF) members. While searching for an AIF training camp/cache site in the vicinity of Balad Ruz, the combined force was caught in a 150 meter long L-Shaped ambush by a platoon-sized force simultaneously firing Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), mortars, PKMs, AK-47s and throwing hand grenades. The combined force broke contact and called for air support. After an initial air strike by F-16 aircraft armed with 500-pound GBUs, the Iraqi Army (IA) element attacked across the objective, immediately receiving enemy fire. The enemy’s withering fire wounded numerous soldiers, and restricted the ability to of the Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) to call further Close Air Support. Quickly recognizing the need for action and in an attempt to maintain order and discipline among the Iraqi forces facing overwhelming firepower, Master Sergeant Collins led his element to engage the enemy, personally eliminating at least three enemy fighters. Throughout the engagement, Master Sergeant Collins’ decisiveness, calm demeanor and aggressive spirit allowed the ODA to close with and destroy the enemy elements, to include 17 AIF Killed in Action, 5 destroyed vehicles and numerous weapons. Master Sergeant Collins’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of heroic military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.