The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Special Warfare Operator Second Class (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Assault Team Leader, Naval Special Warfare Team 2025, Special Operations Task Force-South, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 7 September 2011. At dawn, Petty Officer *****’s team was patrolling west in the denied enemy territory of Panjwei District, Kandahar Province, when a Commando in the patrol’s lead element initiated an improvised explosive device, mortally wounding him and seriously wounding two others. Immediately, Petty Officer ***** moved with the team’s only medic through the anti-personnel minefield to assist a critically wounded Commando and local national interpreter. He radioed an initial casualty report, continued to render aid, and once able, carried the interpreter from the mined area. With calm resolve, Petty Officer ***** returned to the minefield to assist the third victim and carry him from the lethal area. At that moment, a U.S Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposalman initiated a second device causing severe trauma to his face and blinding him instantly. Without hesitation, Petty Officer ***** entered the deadly area a third time to direct his team, assist the medic with first aid, and carry the wounded American to safety. By his strong leadership, courageous actions, and total devotion to duty, Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.