The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles F. Palumbo (MCSN: 2213161), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 September 1967, the Third Battalion came under intense enemy rocket, mortar and artillery fire and sustained heavy casualties while conducting a search and clear operation southwest of Con Thien. The barrage was followed closely with an assault against the Marine positions by an estimated regimental size force of North Vietnamese Regulars. Realizing that his unit’s defensive line was weakened due to the large amount of casualties sustained, he immediately led his seven-man squad forward to assist in repulsing the enemy attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and skillfully deployed his men in the defensive perimeter. Fearlessly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain from one position to another, he supplied his men with critically needed ammunition and directed their fire against the hostile force. Then, continuing to ignore the enemy fire around him, he assisted several wounded comrades to positions of relative safety within the perimeter. Upon returning to the defensive line, he personally delivered accurate suppressive fire against the attackers until they broke contact and fled. His bold initiative and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to his men and contributed significantly to the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force. By his courage, outstanding leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Palumbo upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.