The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Charles Wilbur Porterfield (MCSN: 0-82117), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUYNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-311), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing. On 24 March 1968, Captain Porterfield was assigned as Section Leader of a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft. Upon being informed that his aircraft was loaded with the maximum amount of ordnance, he commenced maneuvering the Skyhawk along a runway at the Chu Lai Airfield. Proceeding toward this lift-off point, he alertly observed numerous attack and transport aircraft at the end of the runway. Attempting to become airborne, his Skyhawk malfunctioned and failed to respond properly to the controls. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he unhesitatingly elected to remain with his aircraft and maneuver it past the personnel surrounding the attack and transport aircraft. After successfully passing the Marines, he rapidly ejected from his aircraft as it entered the unimproved terrain at the end of the runway. Suddenly, the Skyhawk’s ordnance exploded, killing him instantly. By his courage, superior professionalism and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Porterfield upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.