The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an Assault Team Leader while assigned to a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 27 May 2009. On this date, Senior Chief ***** displayed tremendous battlefield courage and leadership in the execution of a combat mission to capture or eliminate a senior insurgent commander who had established an Al Qaeda training camp in the remote and rugged mountains in the area of responsibility. He heroically spearheaded the assault of an enemy hilltop fighting position. Expertly maneuvering in the restricted terrain, Senior Chief ***** personally engaged several determined enemy combatants. When one militant detonated a suicide vest injuring a fellow operator and the combat assault dog, he calmly coordinated their casualty evacuation from the battlefield while under constant enemy fire. With enemy combatants fleeing from his tenacious attack, he coordinated close air support to eliminate the threat. Senior Chief *****’s heroic actions were the decisive points in the hilltop engagements that resulted in the complete rout of the enemy and the preservation of the force. By his unmatched leadership, courageous actions, and total dedication to duty, Senior Chief ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.