The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Engineman First Class (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving in a special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces in enemy territory from 3 to 4 March 2002. Petty Officer ***** displayed extraordinary heroism, superb tactical performance, and a spirit of self-sacrifice as a member of a six-man team that flew back into an enemy stronghold atop a 10,000-foot mountain in order to rescue a captured teammate. Caught in automatic weapons crossfire, he courageously engaged bunkered enemy positions at close range with small arms and grenades, killing several enemy, until ordered to break contact by his team leader. Petty Officer ***** provided covering fire from a position of rear security while single-handedly engaging another enemy bunker as his teammates withdrew from the objective area. He then provided security and medical care for two wounded team members during a one-kilometer ground movement to a rally point until being evacuated ten hours later. Petty Officer *****’s tactical expertise, untiring efforts, and selfless efforts contributed to the complete defeat of the enemy positions atop the mountain. By his outstanding display of immeasurable courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, untiring efforts, and utmost devotion to duty, Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.