The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ernst Mueller (MCSN: 1096342), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 May 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Mueller received an intelligence report that a large North Vietnamese Army force was located near Go Noi Island in Quang Nam Province. Realizing the necessity for speed in exploiting the opportunity to engage and destroy a hostile force, he immediately commenced his planning and coordination of friendly forces and, accompanied by his subordinate unit commanders, conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the operational area. Within twelve hours after receiving the initial intelligence, he launched Operation ALLEN BROOK against the enemy force. Throughout the eleven day operation, Lieutenant Colonel Mueller skillfully maneuvered his battalion while locating and attacking the large enemy force. Displaying outstanding professionalism and superior tactical ability, he ably directed supporting arms fire and close air support which inflicted heavy losses on the hostile soldiers. Disregarding his own safety, on numerous occasions, he fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire while skillfully controlling the movement of his unit. As a result of his determined efforts and exceptional tactical ability, his unit accounted for approximately 200 enemy soldiers confirmed killed. By his superb leadership, unfaltering determination and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Mueller was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.