The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph M. Perez, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Squad Leader, 1st Squad, 3d Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-7, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, on 27 December 2009 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On this day, while on patrol in the vicinity of Luguryan Village, Helmand Province, Sergeant Perez received sensitive reporting that Taliban fighters had completely surrounded his squad and were ready to ambush from five mutually-supporting machinegun positions. Unhesitatingly, he split his squad into three maneuver elements in anticipation of the enemy’s actions. Seconds later, the enemy fighters opened fire, pinning down Sergeant Perez and his base unit, and injuring and isolating the squad’s pointman. Knowing the enemy’s intention to capture the isolated Marine, Sergeant Perez attempted multiple times to reach him, but was denied by heavy enemy fire. He then ordered his 2d Fire Team to attack from the north, a move which effectively reduced the enemy’s fires. While still under direct heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Perez sprinted through 50 meters of open field to the isolated Marine and rendered aid to him. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Sergeant Perez directed the internal fire support of his squad and violently led his base unit toward the enemy positions. After closing on the enemy positions, Sergeant Perez found two enemy fighters that had been killed and captured one that was wounded along with his machineguns and ammunition. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Perez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.