The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Peter A. Gould, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Corpsman, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, on 1 July 2010 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During a local security patrol, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould’s squad was engaged from three different directions by an enemy force estimated at between 35 to 40 Taliban fighters. When one of the Marines from the patrol was shot in the leg and with complete disregard for his own safety, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould exposed himself to accurate, medium machine gun and small arms fire to retrieve the wounded Marine and apply medical aid. With the order to move to another location to evacuate the casualty, he again exposed himself to enemy fire that was increasing in volume and accuracy to assist in the movement. While transporting the casualty, the unit struck an improvised explosive device, critically wounding three Marines and causing Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould to sustain severe fragmentation injuries to his neck and face. Quickly instructing a Marine to stop the bleeding coming from his neck with direct pressure and while still under effective fire, he turned his attention to his wounded comrades, directing appropriate steps in assessing injuries and rendering life saving aid, to include the application of tourniquets and cardio pulmonary resuscitation. His inspirational actions and mental toughness under intense enemy fire led directly to saving at least one Marine’s life that day. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gould reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.