The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Michael Bock, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Section Leader, Assault Breaching Vehicle Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Third Combat Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, from 17 July 2010 to 13 August 2010 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During clearing operations in Jusyalay Valley in direct support of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, Staff Sergeant Bock distinguished himself through his bravery and selfless devotion to duty. After a successful breach in an Improvised Explosive Device laden tree line, he maneuvered his Assault Breacher Vehicle under heavy enemy fire towards the second obstacle belt. After he fired his 1,750 pound Mine Clearing Line Charge, it failed to properly detonate. Still receiving heavy and accurate small arms fire and showing a complete disregard for his own safety, he dismounted his vehicle with a 2.5 pound charge set with a three minute burn fuse. He then sprinted 70 meters across open terrain to set the charge on the booster of the line charge, removed the safety pin from the igniter, and pulled the pin. Undaunted by the enemy fire, he bravely waited until he saw the fuse was lit, then maneuvered back 70 meters under withering fire to the cover of the vehicle. He did this not just once, but on a total of three occasions during two different assaults. His bold and decisive actions to leave the safety of his vehicle and ensure the assaults did not stop undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Bock reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.