The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Special Warfare Operator Second Class (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Mobility Force Non-commissioned Officer assigned to a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 6 July 2007. While driving the trail convoy vehicle, Petty Officer ***** was critically wounded when his vehicle was severely damaged in an enemy ambush. With a golf ball-sized copper projectile lodged in his leg and suffering from blood loss, Petty Officer ***** struggled to maintain control of his vehicle while lapsing in and out of consciousness. With the interior of his vehicle filled with smoke and dirt, and under constant enemy small arms fire, Petty Officer ***** determinedly maneuvered his crippled vehicle out of the kill zone as his teammates climbed into the back and attended to the critically wounded. In excruciating pain, he drove through enemy-held territory for another 20 minutes maintaining convoy integrity until the force arrived at a coalition outpost on the fringes of the city. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.