The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jason L. Navarrette, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Combat Service Support Battalion, First Force Service Support Group, in support of Second Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II on 9 April 2004. Enemy insurgents ambushed Staff Sergeant Navarrette’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team in the town of Lutafiyah, Iraq. With automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades exploding around him, he left the safety of his armored vehicle to engage the enemy. Staff Sergeant Navarrette and his fellow Marines eliminated and severely wounded several insurgents, and the ferocity of their defense held the enemy at bay. Finding themselves greatly outnumbered, they fought their way to the rally point where they realized one vehicle team was pinned down and had been unable to egress from the ambush site. Once again exiting the relative safety of his armored vehicle, Staff Sergeant Navarrette attacked the enemy and was subsequently wounded in the left arm. Ignoring his bleeding and immobilized arm, he continued to engage the enemy until all personnel and vehicles were ready to move. With enemy fire focused on the unit from both sides, he again exited his armored vehicle to provide covering fire as the vehicles began to leave town. His actions inspired fellow Marines to continue to repel the enemy attack, ultimately leading to their safe withdrawal. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Navarrette reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.