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 as SEAL Squad Commander at Naval Special Warfare Detachment – Baghdad in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 1 April to 1 October 2008 . Lieutenant ***** expertly led his 15-man SEAL and Explosive Ordnance Disposal element during six violent battles to destroy enemy militia in their strongholds, and protect U.S. infantry constructing T-wall barriers to seal off the most violent enemy enclaves in Baghdad. On four separate occasions, as enemy fighters delivered a blistering hail of rocket propelled grenades, automatic weapons and sniper fire into his team’s position, he stood fast to command his men in violent counter attacks. On 7 June, approximately 50 fighters surrounded his team’s position launching a ferocious attack with grenades and machine guns. Lieutenant ***** then led an aggressive counterattack against the most threatening militia team to facilitate his team’s movement to safety. After militia forces set their position, he led his team through 300-meters of open terrain to safety in a violent firefight. Lieutenant ****’s heroism on multiple operations contributed to 136 confirmed enemy-killed and the pacification of Sadr City and New Baghdad. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.