Silver Star
During a dangerous helicopter-evacuation operation, Sergeant Manuel Ortega, acting without scruple in regards to his own safety, singlehandedly attacked a team of enemy forces with the sole purpose of slowing them down.
After leaving his teammates, he faced the enemy hindering them for the time needed – and essential – to save his own men and the three recently rescued prisoners of war.
For this improvised operation and for the self-abnegations shown while being in a commanding role during a very delicate rescue mission, Sergeant Ortega is to be awarded the Silver Star.