The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an Assault Troop Commander while assigned to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 4 February 2008. Lieutenant ***** displayed tremendous battlefield courage and guidance during a combat operation to eliminate senior Al Qaeda commanders convening deep inside insurgent occupied territory. Once the enemy became alerted, each targeted compound became its own battleground as the enemy fought fiercely to protect their leaders with suicide vests, hand grenades, and medium machine guns. With bullets impacting mere feet from his position and several of his men wounded, Lieutenant ***** calmly and skillfully led the effort to decisively defeat the enemy with everything from close range engagements to air strikes on three target buildings, dangerously close to his position. During the fierce firefight, a few more of his men were critically wounded and trapped in an enemy-held structure. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant ***** aggressively led the counterattack, directed air assets, and organized a casualty evacuation as a fierce battle raged at close range. By his bold leadership, courageous actions, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.