The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as an Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 8 December 2012. While on approach to the target compound for a civilian hostage rescue, Petty Officer ***** realized that an armed sentry who ran back inside the target compound had compromised the assault team. Recognizing the hostage’s life was in imminent danger, he courageously charged inside the target compound under direct enemy fire. Displaying calm tactical prowess under fire, he immediately moved down his wall and engaged an armed enemy combatant, while calling out to the hostage. Despite the ongoing chaos in the small, enclosed space with multiple armed combatants, Petty Officer ***** located the hostage and aided another teammate in securing him. His decisive actions were pivotal in rescuing the hostage from well-armed Taliban captors. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.