The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Charles R. Mugler (MCSN: 2204354), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine gunner with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 September 1966. While participating in a tank and infantry attack on a fortified village in Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Lance Corporal Mugler’s company came under intense automatic weapons fire from a concealed trenchline in a heavily wooded area. Subsequently, several Marines in the company’s lead elements were wounded and fell exposed to enemy fire. Learning that approximately ten Viet Cong had been observed moving toward the wounded Marines, Lance Corporal Mugler unhesitatingly dashed forward and assumed a position in a hedgerow adjacent to a trenchline. Calmly, he awaited the approach of the enemy and when they came within point blank range, stepped into the open and, with complete disregard for his own safety, began firing at the Viet Cong who had entered the trench. Fearlessly remaining in the open, Lance Corporal Mugler continued to deliver effective machine gun fire until the enemy had been killed and he had exhausted his ammunition. His selfless and heroic actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades. By his quick actions, bold initiative and loyal devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Mugler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.