The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Engineman (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as an Assault Team Leader with a special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces on 17 March 2002. After only one hour of in-extremis planning, Chief Petty Officer ***** led his assault team in interdicting a vehicle convoy suspected of transporting a key enemy leader protected by an elite, battle-hardened security force. He and his team were inserted by MH-47 helicopter and were immediately engaged in an intense firefight with a numerically superior enemy force. Rapidly assessing the situation, he directed his men to engage the enemy fighting positions while simultaneously moving to support other friendly elements. His quick action in using the natural terrain for cover, and his immediate maneuver of his team to the high ground while coordinating with two other maneuver elements, was the key to the outcome of the battle. This rapid, aggressive action proved to be the decisive tactical maneuver resulting in the annihilation of the enemy force. His team destroyed the enemy opposition, swept through the objective area, and recovered numerous items of intelligence value, as well as dozens of weapons and ordnance. After leading a team to interdict the vehicle, Chief Petty Officer ***** determined the occupants were non-combatants, posed no threat and after searching for weapons, directed the personnel to disperse and released them. The operation resulted in 17 dead enemy fighters, one captured enemy fighter, confiscation of numerous intelligence documents, and nearly 30 non-combatants searched and turned away unharmed. His sound judgment and command decisions under fire were vital to the success of the mission. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.