The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Gunner’s Mate (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 20 August 2003. Chief Petty Officer ***** led a 97-man, 14-vehicle convoy through the Paktika Province through some of the most challenging terrain when his team was savagely and viciously ambushed. With effective small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades erupting from the mountains above, his team’s convoy was initially disabled with several wounded personnel. Chief Petty Officer ***** acted immediately to turn the tide. Realizing the last part of the convoy was pinned down by enemy fire and unable to proceed, he courageously ran back through the enemy fire to the center of the ambush site to rescue the casualties, clear a vehicle blocking the only exit, and move the convoy to a defendable position. Throughout this movement, he continued to coordinate overhead fire, reinforcements and medical evacuation support. After suppressing the fire and evacuating the casualties, Chief Petty Officer ***** boldly went back to the target area to recover critical items left behind by an adjoining unit. His decisive actions on the target undoubtedly saved the lives of the bulk of his patrol. By his extraordinary 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.