The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Explosive Ordnance Disposal First Class Gerardo Sosa, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as ECHO Platoon Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician at Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-TRIDENT, in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 1 April to 1 October 2009. From 7 to 8 September 2009, Petty Officer Sosa was providing overwatch for the clearance of the Malmand Bazaar, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan when his element leader stepped on a Pressure Plate Improvised Explosive Device (IED), becoming mortally wounded with critical life threatening injuries and catastrophic blood loss. Petty Officer Sosa unhesitatingly cleared a path to the element leader on his hands and knees, so that the team medic could reach him and render aid. Discovering another IED beside the victim and realizing that his element was trapped in an active minefield, he started probing, only to discover and clear yet another IED that would have certainly caused more casualties. Petty Officer Sosa probed by hand for 200 yards to clear a path for his team as they transported their wounded teammate to safety. His actions enabled the safe extraction from the minefield and unquestionably saved the life of his wounded teammate. Petty Officer Sosa’s bold leadership, 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.