The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as SEAL Team SEVEN ECHO Platoon Assaulter and Hospital Corpsman, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-TRIDENT, in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 1 May to 16 September 2009. On 7 September 2009, Petty Officer ***** served as Hospital Corpsman for a team assigned to provide overwatch during the clearance of the Malmand Bazaar, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The element leader stepped on a Pressure Plate Improvised Explosive Device (IED), becoming mortally wounded, with both legs instantly amputated and catastrophic blood loss. Petty Officer ***** selflessly rushed to the scene, moved the officer to safety and began rendering medical care, despite the discovery of other IEDs around the casualty. With minutes of fuel remaining for the helicopter and trapped by an active IED belt, he rapidly applied life-saving tourniquets and directed his team in trauma care as they carefully maneuvered 300 yards through the active minefield for pickup. Petty Officer *****’s actions enabled the rapid evacuation of the casualty to surgical care within the critical “golden hour”, saving his life. By his strong direction, undaunted courage, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.