The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as SEAL Team ONE Task Unit TRIDENT Communicator on Objective SAN DIEGO, Malmand Village Kandahar in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM-AFGHANISTAN on 7 September 2009. While clearing a key piece of elevated terrain the element leader activated a pressure-plate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which nearly amputated both legs, inflicting catastrophic bleeding and massive abdominal wounds. Hearing a faint cry for help, Petty Officer ***** fearlessly crawled through the dust and smoke to reach his wounded teammate, despite the deadly IED threat. He pulled his teammate from the blast crater and immediately applied direct pressure to the horrific wounds to slow the loss of blood while calling for the medic. The explosive ordnance team reported multiple additional IEDs in close proximity rigged for detonation. Knowing that his teammate had only minutes to live, Petty Officer ***** and three other counterparts willfully carried their wounded teammate 300 yards through the deadly Improvised Explosive Device-laden area to the helicopter landing zone site at tremendous personal risk. His brave and selfless actions in the face of mortal danger enabled the rapid evacuation of the casualty to surgical care within the “golden hour” and unquestionably saved his life. Petty Officer *****’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.