The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Daniel W. Ridgeway, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, 2d Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2d Marine Logistics Group (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), Afghanistan on 18 June 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In direct support of First Battalion, Fifth Marines, Sergeant Ridgeway supervised the combat operations of his team while on a dismounted security patrol to clear a suspected enemy cache site. The cache site was located in a heavily Improvised Explosive Device laden area, historically used to pin down Coalition Forces for small arms attacks. Soon after the squad began to maneuver, an explosive device struck Sergeant Ridgeway’s team member. Quickly working his way to the wounded Marine, he cleared a 40-meter path on his hands and knees. Upon arrival, he administered tactical care to treat serious wounds to the Marine’s lower leg and shrapnel over his entire body. Sergeant Ridgeway then turned the casualty over to the Corpsman and began to sweep a 100 meter by 100 meter landing zone to facilitate the medical evacuation of his team member. Immediately following the evacuation, the squad came under withering enemy fire from multiple positions. During the sustained firefight, Sergeant Ridgeway again cleared several paths by utilizing hands on render safe procedures on five more Improvised Explosive Devices while under direct fire from the enemy. These actions undoubtedly thwarted the enemy’s attack and saved the lives of the Marines and Sailors serving with Sergeant Ridgeway. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Ridgeway reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.