The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Signalman (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of a special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces in enemy territory from 3 to 4 March 2002. Chief Petty Officer ***** displayed extraordinary heroism, superb tactical performance, and a spirit of self-sacrifice as a member of a six-man team that flew back into an enemy stronghold atop a 10,000-foot mountain in order to rescue a captured teammate. Caught in automatic weapons crossfire with no available cover, Chief Petty Officer ***** courageously engaged an enemy machine gun position at close range, killing the machine gun operator and one other enemy who was attempting to attack his position. He continued to engage additional enemy until ordered to break contact by his team leader. As his team withdrew from the engagement area, Chief Petty Officer ***** professionally directed fire from airborne assets onto enemy positions, accounting for several more enemy casualties. Chief Petty Officer *****’s tactical expertise and selfless efforts significantly attrited the enemy fighters atop the mountain and contributed to their eventual defeat. By his outstanding display of immeasurable courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, extraordinary heroism, and utmost devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.