The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Joshua Simson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Hospitalman, Embedded Training Team 6-2, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 27 July 2007, in Afghanistan. While serving as an advisor to the 3d Kandak, 1st Brigade, 201st Corps of the Afghan National Army in Nuristan Province, Hospitalman Simson’s patrol was ambushed as it neared the village of Saret Kholet. With enemy small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire raining down on their position, casualties from elements of both the U.S. and the Afghan National Army mounted rapidly. Hospitalman Simson instinctively moved throughout the position, exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire, enduring a direct hit on the triage position by a rocket propelled grenade, and often caring for the injured in plain view of the enemy. Supporting the withdrawal from the enemy fire sac, another Afghan soldier was shot down in the middle of the road. Again, Hospitalman Simson left cover and exposed himself to the incoming fire. With small arms impacting all about him, he feverishly worked to save the life of the fatally wounded soldier. Arriving at the landing zone, Hospitalman Simson found himself the only medical personnel uninjured and quickly set about establishing the Casualty Collection Point, while continually reassessing the wounded. Hospitalman Simson’s actions were seen across the battlefield, and his selfless willingness to expose himself repeatedly to potential injury or death coupled with his composure under fire was exemplary and inspiring to his fellow servicemen and the Afghan soldiers. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Hospitalman Simson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.