The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles Larry Herring (MCSN: 1993881), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During a combat patrol on 30 January 1966, the platoon to which Corporal Herring was assigned as a Fire Team Leader was ambushed by more than one hundred Viet Cong. Within ten yards of his position, an enemy machine gun was pouring deadly accurate fire into his platoon. Accompanied by another Marine, Corporal Herring assaulted the Viet Cong gun emplacement, undaunted by the withering fire as he maneuvered as close as possible to the enemy position. Hurling grenades and firing rifles as a team, Corporal Herring and his companion eliminated the position and killed four Viet Cong who were manning the gun. Turning his attention to other targets, he continued to attack Viet Cong positions until the enemy was either eliminated or had fled the area. By his extraordinary courage in the face of grave personal risk, unfaltering fighting spirit and selfless dedication to duty, Corporal Herring upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.