The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Intelligence Specialist (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of a special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces on 17 March 2002. After more than one hour of in-extremis planning, Chief Petty Officer ***** led his assault team in interdicting a vehicle convoy suspected of transporting a key enemy leader protected by an elite, battle-hardened security force. Chief Petty Officer ***** and his team were inserted by MH-47 helicopter and were immediately engaged in an intense firefight with a numerically superior enemy force. Despite the unfavorable force ratio, he led his men in an aggressive flanking maneuver to close in and kill the enemy. Chief Petty Officer *****’s quick action in using the natural terrain for cover, and his immediate maneuver of his team to the high ground while coordinating with two other maneuver elements, were key to the outcome of the battle. This rapid, aggressive action proved to be the decisive tactical maneuver resulting in the annihilation of the enemy force. His team destroyed the enemy opposition, swept through the objective area, and recovered numerous items of intelligence value, as well as dozens of weapons and ordnance. The operation resulted in 17 dead enemy fighters, one captured enemy fighter, confiscation of numerous intelligence documents, and nearly 30 non-combatants searched and turned away unharmed. Chief Petty Officer ***** displayed valor, incisive judgment, and aggressive leadership under fire. By his courage under fire, bold leadership, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.