The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) William Ryan Owens, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy from 19 July 2015 to 21 July 2015, while serving with a Joint Task Force in support of overseas contingency operations. Senior Chief Owens was the Ground Force Commander for a 12-member joint element and the senior enlisted advisor to a 240-member partner force. His bold comb at leadership and personal courage under fire emboldened and inspired his mounted element to penetrate 275 kilometers into enemy-held territory against a determined force of 400 enemy fighters. Throughout several days, his convoy encountered constant ambushes and attacks from small arms, machine guns, anti-aircraft guns, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, and improvised explosive devices. Senior Chief Owens repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to personally engage and neutralize enemy fighters, issue orders to his team, and direct the tactical actions of the partner force. His extraordinary and valorous actions were the key to achieving the decisive victory, which included destruction of three enemy technical vehicles and associated heavy weapons, establishment of two combat outposts in the region, and securing a town that had previously been in enemy hands for 10 years. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Owens reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.