Petty Officer First Class Daniel M. Gonska, United States Navy, distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous achievement as an Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 16 July 2011.

On this date, Petty Officer Gonska served on a direct-action combat operation in eastern Afghanistan where his team surrounded an enemy controlled compound and placed explosive charges to gain access to the interior.

As clearance of the enemy compound commenced, enemy fighters inside engaged the assault force from multiple positions with effective machine gun fire. He immediately engaged the enemy positions and maneuvered through effective enemy fire to a position of minimal cover to set a base of fire for his element to break contact.

His courage and judgement during intense combat with the enemy were crucial to his unit’s ability to successfully accomplish the operation.

The distinctive accomplishments of Petty Officer First Class Gonska reflect great credit upon him, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

Daniel Gonska retired from the Navy as a SOCS (E-8). His home of record upon entering the service was North Olmsted, Ohio.