Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles P. Mersing (ASN: RA-13276559), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Yoju, Korea, on 23 January 1951. When an element of his company was patrolling in advance of our main line of resistance, a numerically superior enemy force began to surround the patrol and place heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire on them. The patrol leaders ordered a withdrawal. Sergeant Mersing and four other members of the patrol failed to hear the order and remained behind still engaging the enemy in a fire fight as the rest of the patrol withdrew to friendly lines. When he became aware that the rest of the patrol had withdrawn he moved the four men onto high ground and continued to place accurate small arms fire on the enemy. Realizing that they were hopelessly outnumbered he ordered the four men to withdraw while he remained behind to cover them. He moved to a new position and successfully kept the enemy at bay by astounding accuracy with his rifle. In his own descent from the hill, he managed to break off contact with the enemy and returned to friendly lines. His expert marksmanship was responsible for killing several enemy and he was instrumental in directing the combined fire of the four men which resulted in the killing of twenty-four others. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Mersing, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 186 (October 15, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles P. Mersing (ASN: RA-13276559), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Namgye-dong, Korea, on 21 September 1950. During an attack, the 3d Battalion of the 21st Infantry Regiment was held up by fire from enemy tanks. Private Mersing, a 3.5 inch rocket launcher gunner, volunteered to join a patrol attempting to flank the enemy’s armor and strike from his rear. Observing one of the tanks, he moved forward, and by his effective fire crippled it. Advancing, he observed another tank and although he had only one round of ammunition remaining he again moved forward, with utter disregard for his own safety, into the face of the tank’s machine gun fire. Reaching a position along side the tank he fired his last round shattering the gun barrel and forcing the tank’s withdrawal thus permitting the continued advance of the battalion. His gallant actions and unhesitant devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the United States Infantry.