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 Captain (Infantry) Charles Costanza, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Costanza distinguished himself during the period 17 March 1971 through 7 April 1971 while serving as Company Commander of Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat operations near Fire Base Vandergrift, Republic of Vietnam. On 27 March 1971, Captain Costanza led a night attack over two kilometers of open ground and seized Observation Point Pete which had been under heavy fire. During the next eleven days, he repeatedly subjected himself to enemy fire to direct mortar and air strikes on the enemy emplacements. He successfully completed the entire mission without losing any lives. His actions prevented the enemy from firing on a major supply route and Fire Base Vandergrift. Captain Costanza’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.