The ceremony honored Herring, an Operations Warrant Officer with B Co., 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, for his actions near Baqubah, Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on Dec. 23, 2006.

Herring's citation describes the action. "For gallantry in action on 23 December 2006 against enemy forces near Baqubah, Iraq, as the Detachment Commander, Operational Detachment-Alpha 2084. His heroism and bravery under intense enemy fire was responsible for the safety and well-being of a combined United States-Iraqi force.

"Chief Warrant Officer Three Herring's gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being saved four men in his vehicle from serious injury or death. Chief Warrant Officer Herrings' actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Special Operations Task Force-North, The Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army."

The Silver Star Medal is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. Herring is the second North Carolina National Guard Soldier since WWII to earn the Silver Star, one of the nations highest awards for valor in the Army second only to the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.