The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Charles Wesley Barrett (ASN: 56405847), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force. Specialist Fourth Class Barrett distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic actions while serving as a Fire Team Leader in the 3d Platoon of Company B, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, while conducting a search and destroy mission, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 March 1967, the company was moved by helicopter into a landing zone and began to advance over hilly terrain covered by dense underbrush. Contact was made with an enemy force of undetermined size, armed with small arms and automatic weapons. In the initial moments of the engagement, Specialist Fourth Class Barrett reacted with decisive and positive action. He quickly deployed his men, effectively controlling their movement and successfully directing their fire against the enemy. In a determined effort to neutralize the machine guns, which were devastating to the company, Specialist Fourth Class Barrett charged forward with complete disregard for his own safety, while exposing himself to the intense hostile fire. He closed in on the enemy positions and placed successive and accurate fire upon them. During his fierce assault, he was mortally wounded. His supreme valor inspired all who observed him, and his self-sacrificing actions spurred his fellow soldiers to rally and ultimately seize the objective. Specialist Fourth Class Barrett’s outstanding display of personal gallantry, devotion to duty and unrelenting aggressiveness is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.