The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Major Sean B. Filson, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations involving conflict with an opposing forces while serving as Operations Officer, First Battalion, Third Marines, Combined Task Force Spartan, Combined Joint Task Force-76 in support of Operation Enduring VI, from January 2006 to May 2006. Upon First Battalion, Third Marines’ assumption of responsibility for the Laghman, Nangharhar, and Konar Provinces of Afghanistan, Major Filson implemented a plan to effectively organize and control a force of over 1,500 Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Afghan National Security Forces over a battle space of 12,600 kilometers. Major Filson developed clear and effective plans tailored to the political and tactical aspects of counterinsurgency operations, intuitively grasping the full spectrum of operations. Through four months of combat operations, Major Filson aggressively implemented a series of near-continuous operations that had significant and measurable effect on enemy forces in Area of Operation s Lava. He aggressively extended the Government of Afghanistan’s influence by implementing the Commander’s intent for partnership and training with the Afghan National Army and by developing and implementing operations that engages insurgents within their traditional safe-havens. As the operation s Officer for the main effort during Operations MOUNTAIN LION, the Combined Joint Task Force-76 attack on Taliban and Al Qaeda sanctuaries in the Korengal Valley, Major Filson developed and implemented a plan that resulted in the defeat of insurgent elements in the Korengal Valley. Major Filson’s zealous initiative, determination, and exceptional devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Marine Corps.