The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (EOD) William A. Bastable, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWO (EODMU-2), while serving as the Lead Navigator for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 25 June 2003. When his convoy was savagely and suddenly ambushed while conducting sensitive operations, Senior Chief Petty Officer Bastable displayed great valor returning fire despite receiving a gunshot wound in the leg from enemy fire. He immediately acted to engage the enemy on the ridgeline above him. Although in intense pain from his wounds, Senior Chief Petty Officer Bastable rapidly identified the enemy positions and maneuvered the remaining friendly forces into an advantageous fighting position. He calmly and precisely directed friendly forces to suppress the enemy fire, consolidated his position with wounded personnel, and initiated a medical evacuation. After moving his teammates and casualties to a secure area, he supervised the medical evacuation but personally refused to leave his team despite his own severe wound. His brave actions while wounded undoubtedly saved the lives of his teammates. By his outstanding display of immeasurable courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, untiring efforts, and selfless devotion to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Bastable reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.