The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Aviation Boatswain’s Mate First Class (SEAL) Stephen Toboz, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of a special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces in hostile territory from 3 to 4 March 2002. Petty Officer Toboz displayed extraordinary heroism, superb tactical performance, and inspiring perseverance 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 upon insertion, Petty Officer Toboz immediately maneuvered against an enemy machine gun position, killing three enemies with accurate 5.56-millimeter fire. He continued to engage additional combatants until ordered to break contact by his team leader. While withdrawing, Petty Officer Toboz was hit by automatic weapons fire which shattered his lower leg ultimately resulting in amputation at a later date. Non-ambulatory and nearly hypothermic, he pushed through exhaustion and intense pain to maneuver over one kilometer through icy and precipitous terrain, refusing morphine in order to preserve his security posture. Petty Officer Toboz’s tactical expertise and courageous efforts significantly attrited the enemy fighters atop the mountain and contributed to their eventual defeat. By his outstanding display of immeasurable courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, untiring efforts, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Toboz reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.