The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles M. Schmidt (MCSN: 295070), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander in Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 December 1950. When his company was ordered to reinforce an adjacent friendly company which was under attack by a numerically superior enemy force employing heavy and accurate small arms, machine gun and mortar fire, Staff Sergeant Schmidt led his unit forward and employed the men while subjected to hostile fire, sub-zero temperatures and a heavy snow storm. Moving among the positions occupied by his platoon, he assigned and checked sectors of fire, encouraged his men, supervised the distribution of ammunition and assisted in the rapid evacuation of casualties. Although sustaining painful wounds from hostile grenade fragments during the early part of the engagement, he remained with his platoon to lead and encourage his men in the successful defense of their sector of the defense line. On one occasion when he observed hostile troops massing to his front, he immediately requested mortar fire which he personally observed and directed, resulting in the infliction of numerous casualties upon the enemy and in the disorganization of the troops. By his inspiring leadership, outstanding courage and aggressive fighting spirit, Staff Sergeant Schmidt contributed directly to the successful repulse of repeated hostile attacks, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.