The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Chief Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Troop Chief for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 8 December 2012. As Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** led his troop to the target compound, an armed sentry compromised the assault force. Realizing the life of the civilian hostage was in imminent danger, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** made entry into the target compound under direct fire from the alerted enemy. He instinctively engaged multiple armed combatants and tactically moved through the room attempting to identify the hostage. When he saw another combatant attempting to engage a teammate who was shielding the hostage with his body, Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** engaged the enemy and neutralized the threat. He then quickly initiated casualty evacuation procedures for the teammate who had been wounded in the initial entry, and began coordinating the establishment of a helicopter-landing zone. He established a commanding security posture and transported the hostage to the landing zone, while ensuring all attempts were being made to save the life of his fallen teammate. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.