The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles M. McCormick (MCSN: 2290978), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 September 1968, Corporal McCormick’s platoon was operating near Cu Ban village in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying positions on three sides of the friendly unit. In the initial moments of the fire fight, his squad sustained several casualties and was pinned down in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire. Rapidly assessing the situation, Corporal McCormick obtained a machine gun from a wounded Marine and directed a heavy volume of suppressive fire at the enemy while his men maneuvered to more advantageous positions. Continuing his determined efforts, he boldly advanced across the fire-swept terrain and killed four North Vietnamese soldiers. When his men were in more tenable positions, Corporal McCormick ran back to the company command post, organized a reaction force and led the Marines to the point of heaviest contact in order to assist his beleaguered platoon. Repeatedly disregarding his own safety, he continued to provide effective suppressive fire and assist in the evacuation of casualties until his unit was able to withdraw to a secure area. His heroic and decisive actions inspired his fellow Marines and were instrumental in his platoon recovering all of its casualties while accounting for thirteen North Vietnamese soldiers killed. By his exceptional courage, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal McCormick upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.