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On March 4, 2002, Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Slabinski displayed extraordinary heroism in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. After their helicopter was struck by enemy fire, Slabinski led his team to rescue a stranded teammate. Under heavy fire from multiple directions, he fearlessly assaulted enemy bunkers, exposed himself to deadly machine gun fire, and directed his team's response. When reinforcements were delayed and several team members were injured, Slabinski maneuvered his team to a more defensible position, coordinated air strikes, and called for reinforcements. After hours of intense fighting, Slabinski carried a wounded teammate through deep snow, all while directing fire on enemy positions. Over the next 14 hours, he stabilized casualties and continued to fight until the team was successfully extracted. His bravery, leadership, and selflessness upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy and reflected great credit upon himself and his service. 🇺🇸