The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Chief Master-At-Arms Michael W. Toussaint, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Combat Assault Dog Handler for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 9 July 2009. On this date, Senior Chief Petty Officer Toussaint displayed great battlefield courage while conducting a direct action mission against Al Qaeda and Taliban leadership. His assault force received heavy automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire as they exited their helicopter. Senior Chief Petty Officer Toussaint and his combat assault dog quickly pursued a group of maneuvering enemy combatants. As he approached an enemy fighting position, it erupted in heavy automatic weapons fire. The element leader next to him was critically wounded and his own combat assault dog was mortally wounded as they began engaging the enemy. Despite the violent effective fire and in an effort to protect his teammate, Senior Chief Petty Officer Toussaint continued moving towards the fighting position, relentlessly engaging the dug-in enemy until he finally eliminated the two fighters from a distance of less than fifteen feet. His actions ended the engagement, allowing his teammates to provide lifesaving combat casualty care to his wounded team leader. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Toussaint reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.