For gallantry in action while participating in aerial flight as a member of the Coalition Task Force, Mountain, in Bagram, Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Pierce's technical and tactical expertise were demonstrated as he served as the gunner of an AH-64D helicopter assigned to provide escort for a MEDEVAC mission in the vicinity of Bagram. Chief Warrant Officer Pierce's duties were to find and engage targets that were a threat to his helicopter or the mission he was covering. Upon arrival at the site of the action, the weather was very bad, which resulted in terrible flying conditions. In spite of the poor weather Chief Warrant Officer Pierce identified and eliminated enemy targets passed to him and wisely held his fire when such fires might result in friendly casualties. He was instrumental in saving the lives of 10 friendly personnel and two UH-60s that were assigned to pick up troops in the area. Through out the mission Chief Warrant Officer Pierce's aircraft received heavy enemy ground fire and he was forced to position his aircraft over the enemy placing him and his aircraft in range of enemy weapons. Chief Warrant Officer Pierce's dedication to duty and commitment to mission accomplishment were instrumental in the success of Operation Enduring Freedom. Chief Warrant Officer Pierce's actions reflect great credit upon him, The Coalition Task Force - Mountain, and the United States Army.