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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Robert Broderick, 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. First Lieutenant Broderick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Company E, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 30 September 1969, a small group of four patrol leaders including First Lieutenant Broderick were investigating a proposed ambush site when the point element of a North Vietnamese unit rounded a bend in the trail. Reacting immediately, First Lieutenant Broderick opened fire with his M-16 rifle, killing the enemy point man. He then moved to another position and killed the second man in the enemy column. In the meanwhile, the other three team leaders moved to effective fighting positions and were placing heavy fire on the numerically superior enemy force. The enemy, convinced that they were facing a superior force, abandoned their equipment and dead and fled. First Lieutenant Broderick’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.