The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an Assault Team Leader while assigned to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 11 September 2008. Chief ***** bravely led his assault team during the execution of a daring direct action assault against a heavily armed and barricaded Taliban cell of fighters. Upon entry into the compound, the force was engaged with an intense barrage of enemy fire from multiple locations. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Chief ***** assumed a fighting position, where, just seconds before, another assaulter had been mortally wounded. With enemy rounds striking the magazine of his weapon, he continued to engage the enemy and lead his team in the clearance. In the last room, a barricaded fighter shot and fatally wounded another assaulter. Chief ***** led the assault and the eventual elimination of this final fighter. His courageous actions and inspiring leadership, under the most hostile conditions, resulted in the clearance of the compound. Chief *****’s bold initiative, undaunted courage, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.