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 E. Washington, Jr. (ASN: US-52092675), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Kyoam-san, Korea, on 28 October 1951. In the early morning his platoon set out on a patrol which took it far into enemy territory. A short time later the riflemen were caught in a murderous assault of fire from automatic weapons, small arms, mortars and grenades, which inflicted several casualties among them. During the ensuing fire fight, the squad leader of the second squad was wounded, leaving the men in disorganized confusion. Private Washington, Machine Gunner, realizing the danger of the situation, skillfully regrouped the men and led them in an attack up the rugged slope with his weapon blazing. When the machine gun failed, he continued his assault with hand grenades. Charging far ahead of his comrades, he continually exposed himself to the intense enemy fire and fought with indomitable aggressiveness until the order to withdraw as received. He then voluntarily remained behind to cover his squad as it moved out. Threatened with encirclement by the enemy, he unloaded a devastating barrage of grenades upon the hostile hordes, inflicting severe casualties, and finally left his position only as he was about to be overrun. As a result of his tenacious determination, his comrades were able to withdraw unharmed. Private Washington’s gallant actions, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.