This is Jocco Podcast number 296 with me, Jocco Willink. The chief of naval operations takes

pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Special Warfare Operator First Class, Chad

M. Wilkinson, United States Navy, for service as set forth in the following citation for conspicuous

gallantry and intrapetity in action against the enemy while serving as a mission support

site team leader while assigned to a joint task force in support of operations in during

freedom on 24 April 2011. Petty Officer Wilkinson displayed superior guidance during a daytime

assault targeting a Taliban commander while under significant enemy fire. Upon arriving into the

objective area, Petty Officer Wilkinson and his assault element came under a hail of enemy fire.

He and his teammates led his assault to set containment on the objective area.

After receiving friendly wounded in action from direct enemy fires and grenades within 20 meters

of the target compound, Petty Officer Wilkinson boldly exposed himself to the enemy and suppressed

the incoming fire that allowed his element to move to safety and enable the combat medic to move

to their positions to treat a head wound of one of his teammates. He directed two additional assaults

on the target compound and coordinated with higher headquarters for three rotary wing

close air support missions after evacuating all non combatants from adjacent buildings.

Petty Officer Wilkinson's actions eliminated the enemy combatants,

enabled the evacuation of the wounded casualties and allowed for the safe extraction of the assault force.

By his bold leadership, courageous actions and total dedication to duty,

Petty Officer Wilkinson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions

of the United States Naval Service. For the President, Jonathan W. Greenert,

Admiral, United States Navy, Chief of Naval Operations.

So, there you have the award citation of a hero from one of our recent wars.

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