The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an Assault Team Member while assigned to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 19 January 2012. Chief Petty Officer ***** bravely assisted his assault team on a daring direct action assault against a known Taliban commander responsible for a recent catastrophic attack on a coalition base. After an extensive foot patrol through enemy-held terrain with a robust early warning network, Chief Petty Officer ***** assisted his team in a silent clearance against a compound containing several subterranean rooms. During the clearance, he and his team received overwhelming effective fire from multiple, barricaded enemy combatants. This exchange resulted in the injury of several teammates. Chief Petty Officer ***** repeatedly exposed himself to effective automatic weapons fire and grenades to eliminate the enemy and protect his teammates. He fearlessly maneuvered on a barricaded enemy position and engaged a fighter at point-blank range. This extremely high-risk direct action assault eliminated three fierce enemy combatants and ultimately saved lives by disrupting an impending attack on Coalition forces. By his bold leadership, courageous actions, and unyielding devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.