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 an Assault Team Member and Combat Assault Dog Handler while assigned to a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 4 February 2008. On this date, Petty Officer *****’s unit came under heavy fire from three separate locations during an assault on an enemy-held village. When two of his teammates lay mortally wounded and exposed to enemy gunfire, he handed over his dog and immediately went to assist his fallen teammates. Under a constant barrage of enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer ***** crawled towards the open doorway where one of his teammates lay wounded. He, without effective covering fire and lying on his stomach, tried to pull his teammate from the doorway while under a barrage of enemy fire. After the first recovery, Petty Officer ***** remained at the window, reloading and continuing to provide effective cover fire for his teammates to retrieve the second fallen service member. By his courageous actions, bold initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.