The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Joseph M. Molina, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as SEAL Team SEVEN ECHO Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit – TRIDENT, in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 20 April to 1 October 2009. From 15 through 17 July 2009, Chief Molina led his platoon in an assault against a known insurgent safe haven during which dozens of enemy were eliminated. While occupying a key rooftop position, Chief Molina’s platoon came under a barrage of small arms, sniper, and rocket propelled grenade fire so intense that the rooftop team was forced to fall back. Additionally, he led two SEALs through a hail of gunfire to retake this critical position and personally eliminating two fighters. Furthermore, Chief Molina later led an element to reinforce a high ground position which was surrounded. As enemy fire penetrated the walls of the security position, he repeatedly exposed himself in order to direct heavy weapons fire onto enemy positions and return fire. His actions and outstanding leadership during this multi-day battle resulted in 56 confirmed enemy fighters destroyed. Chief Molina’s strong direction, courageous actions, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)Action Date:
April – October 2009
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Joseph M. Molina, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as SEAL Team **** **** Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit – ***** in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from April to October 2009. On 19 July 2009 Chief Molina led his platoon during an in-extremis Quick Reaction Force operation to rescue a U.S. Army Operational Detachment Alfa team that had sustained three casualties in an ambush and been surrounded. As insurgent fighters massed to overrun the Operational Detachment Alfa, Chief Molina air assaulted with his platoon onto a knife edge mountain ridgeline overlooking the Operational Detachment Alfa’s position. Personally engaging insurgents with precision sniper fire, Chief Molina heroically led his platoon during a day-long battle in which his sniper teams and Mark 47 team decimated the advancing enemy force. His exemplary leadership resulted in 22 Enemy Killed in Action and the safe extraction of Operational Detachment Alfa with no additional casualties. Throughout six months of combat, Chief Molina fearlessly led his platoon during 300 hours of Troops in Contact that resulted in 181 Enemy Killed in Action. Chief Molina’s extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)