The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Leader of an element assigned to a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 27 April 2007. Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** led a Coalition force into an enemy stronghold to secure a Taliban leader. Upon approaching a canal crossing, he observed an enemy guard force at the bridge and rushed forward to control the crossing site and prevent a massed enemy from maneuvering toward his assault force. Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** immediately engaged the enemy sentry and a three-man machinegun team that was attempting to shoot at the main assault force. By his movement to the crossing point and control of the bridge, he allowed an AC-130 gunship to freely engage the enemy force since it was segregated from friendly forces on the opposite side of the canal. Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** then engaged two more enemy combatants, who were moving into flanking positions threatening to inflict severe casualties on the assault element. By his wise judgment, undaunted courage, and loyal dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.