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 23 November 2008. Senior Chief ***** led his assault team on a daring nighttime direct action raid targeting a senior level Taliban commander. While preparing to assault the target, Senior Chief *****’s team was engaged by grenades and heavy machine gun fire from multiple fighting positions within and outside the target compound. He quickly returned fire and simultaneously maneuvered his team around the backside of the compound to place explosive wall charges on the target building in order to gain access to enemy positions and eliminate the direct fire that was seizing operational momentum by pinning down the primary assault team. To prevent further friendly casualties and regain relative superiority, Senior Chief ***** exposed himself to an enemy fighter on the roof above when he bravely moved his team under fire to place the charges. After the explosive breaches of four separate rooms, Senior Chief ***** led his team engaging and eliminating, several, enemy fighters at hand to hand distance. By his bold leadership, courageous actions, and total dedication to duty, Senior Chief ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.