The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Charles Soard (MCSN: 2128430), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 January 1970, Company C was preparing a defensive position near Phu Binh in Quang Nam Province when three Marines who were reconnoitering the bank of a nearby stream were seriously wounded by automatic weapons fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying concealed emplacements on the far side of the stream. Observing this his helpless companions were in an area that was completely exposed to the intense enemy fire, Lance Corporal Soard unhesitatingly left his relatively secure location and, seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting all around him, rushed to the side of one of his wounded companions and fearlessly carried him across the fire-swept terrain to a covered location, while another Marine evacuated a second casualty. Again braving the enemy fusillade, he returned to the stream and was seriously wounded in the arm while assisting a comrade to carry the remaining man to safety. Although suffering intense pain, he then moved to a dangerously exposed vantage point to provide security which enabled a transport helicopter to land and evacuate the casualties. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of three fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Soard upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.