The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as an Assault Team Leader in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 6 January to 13 April 2002. Chief Petty Officer ***** led his assault team on a time-sensitive, surgical air assault mission to capture an enemy leadership figure in a rural village in central Afghanistan. His discipline and leadership in a high threat environment resulted in mission success. Additionally, he led his team on a four-day tactical reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines in snow-covered, mountainous terrain, the largest United States combat operation since the Persian Gulf War. His team moved through 20 kilometers of extremely treacherous terrain to report on enemy ground lines of communication. Chief Petty Officer *****’s reporting significantly affected the Commanding General’s strategic decisions. In another mission, he led his assault team in interdicting a vehicle convoy suspected of transporting -enemy leadership. As gunfire erupted from the enemy fighters in the lead vehicles, Chief Petty Officer ***** intercepted and identified non-combatant personnel in a trail vehicle. After searching and turning away non-combatants, he repositioned his team and assisted in the ongoing assault. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.