The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Lee Herringer (MCSN: 1969142), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with the Second Platoon, Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 17 January 1966, while moving across a large exposed field southwest of DaNang during Operation MALLARD, Staff Sergeant Herringer’s Company was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire which accounted for five Marine casualties within the first few minutes. As Platoon Commander of the right flank platoon, Staff Sergeant Herringer quickly determined that enemy fire from the right flank posed the greatest threat to the Company. From the Marines in his immediate vicinity, he rapidly organized an assault force of two machine gun teams, three riflemen and a radio operator. Armed with grenades and a pistol, he led the assault, fearlessly exposing himself continually while he directed and encouraged his men to continue the attack on the enemy positions. His courageous effort forced the Viet Cong to disperse, permitted the restoration of Company flanks and undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous men. By his brilliant leadership, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless dedication to duty throughout, Staff Sergeant Herringer upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.