The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles E. Strickland (MCSN: 2036347), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 June 1969, Staff Sergeant Strickland’s platoon was serving as point element during a company-sized search and destroy operation eight miles east of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire from an estimated enemy squad defending what appeared to be an extensive base camp. Skillfully maneuvering his men to prevent the North Vietnamese from breaking contact, Staff Sergeant Strickland unhesitatingly advanced to within hand grenade range of the enemy where he could better observe the situation and direct the efforts of his platoon. Although painfully wounded by grenade fragments, he fearlessly led an aggressive assault through the heavy volume of fire, personally killing a North Vietnamese Army officer. As a result of his heroic and bold actions, the enemy position was overrun, resulting in the capture of a pistol, six rifles, two submachine guns and light machine gun. By his courage, bold leadership and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Staff Sergeant Strickland inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.