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 support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 19 January 2012. Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** bravely led his assault team on a daring direct action assault against a known Taliban commander responsible for a recent catastrophic attack on a coalition base. After an extensive foot patrol through enemy held terrain, with a robust early warning network, Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** led his team in a silent clearance against a compound containing several subterranean rooms. During the clearance, he and his team received overwhelming effective fire from multiple, barricaded enemy combatants. This exchange resulted in the injury of two teammates. Without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, Senior Chief Petty Officer ***** instinctively took up a fighting position from which to effectively engage the enemy and employ thermo baric grenades. He then courageously led the remainder of the assault under sustained enemy fire that resulted in the successful clearance of the compound. This extremely high-risk direct action assault eliminated fierce enemy combatants and ultimately saved lives by disrupting an impending attack on coalition forces. Senior Chief Petty Officer *****’s bold leadership, courageous actions, and unwavering devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.