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 Troop Chief while assigned to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 2 September 2008. Senior Chief ***** led the execution of a dangerous Direct Action raid. While under a heavy volume of effective enemy fire, he ran through an open courtyard to get to a wounded teammate and move him back to the safety of a casualty collection point. Following the clearance of the objective, Senior Chief ***** crossed 50 meters of open ground alone and through heavy enemy fire to get to a two-man blocking position, threatened by approximately 30 maneuvering enemy fighters. From this position, he repeatedly coordinated danger-close fire support missions protecting his men and resulting in the elimination of the maneuvering enemy forces. Throughout the operation and while under continuous effective enemy fire, Senior Chief ***** remained poised and collected as he led from the front, coordinating the clearance of the objective, and coming to the rescue of a wounded teammate and his two-man blocking position. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage, and total dedication to duty, Senior Chief ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.