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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Defense Artillery) Charles A. Edwards (ASN: 0-85185), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 334th Armed Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 9 November 1968. Major Edwards distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G helicopter and light fire team leader of a FIREFLY Team conducting a search and destroy mission. When enemy gunners opened fire on the lightship with .50 caliber machine guns, he immediately countered with intense and accurate suppressive rocket fire, simultaneously turning on the ship’s rotating beacon and navigation lights, which exposed his aircraft to the enemy gunfire. This deliberate exposure of his position diverted the enemy fire from the lightship and provided the stricken aircraft an opportunity to escape the deadly kill zone.; Major Edwards’ ship took several hits, but he continued to expose himself while delivering a devastating volume of fire into the enemy entrenchments. He contributed directly to the destruction of four .50 caliber machinegun positions and fifteen enemy soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.