The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant ***** Harris, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a SEAL Platoon Commander at Commander, Naval Special Warfare Detachment – Baghdad, in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 1 April to 1 October 2008. Lieutenant Harris bravely led 26 SEALs in a violent battle against a well-trained enemy entrenched in Sadr City and Eastern Baghdad. Over the course of 15 interdiction missions, he and his men punished the militia network to protect Army Brigades constructing T-wall barriers in Sadr City and New Baghdad. During six prolonged battles, Anti-Iraqi forces attacked his team with heavy weapons, sniper fire, hand grenades and explosively formed projectiles. During a battle along Route GOLD, Baghdad, Lieutenant Harris led his team in fighting off waves of attacks by ten-man militia teams employing Improvised Explosive Devices, machine guns, and grenades. He boldly launched repeated counter attacks under heavy fire, firing his weapon to eliminate approaching fighters as he directed tank main gun fire and close air support on them, contributing to the death of 46 enemy militia. His exceptional valor and combat leadership resulted in 136 enemy-killed-in-action and the defeat of enemy militias in Baghdad. By his courageous actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Harris reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.