The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of 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 19 January 2012. Chief Petty Officer ***** bravely led his assault team on a daring direct action assault against a known Taliban commander responsible for a catastrophic attack on a coalition base. After an extensive foot patrol through an enemy controlled area within mountainous terrain, Chief Petty Officer ***** led his team in a silent clearance against a compound containing several subterranean rooms. During this clearance, he and his four-man team received overwhelming effective fire from multiple, barricaded enemy combatants. This exchange resulted in the injury of multiple teammates. Without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, Chief Petty Officer ***** instinctively took up a fighting position to effectively engage the enemy and employ fragmentation and thermo baric grenades. He then courageously led the remainder of the assault under the most hostile conditions that resulted in the successful clearance of the compound. This extremely high-risk direct action assault eliminated three fierce enemy combatants and ultimately saved lives by disrupting an impending attack on coalition forces. Chief Petty Officer *****’s bold initiative, courageous actions, and unwavering dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.