The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles T. Clark (ASN: 0-5320132), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company D, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 9 June 1968. On this date, Captain Clark was serving as Company Commander on an air assault reconnaissance in force operation in dense swampy jungle near Binh Nham. After leaving a landing zone, the point element of the company was suddenly subjected to intense machinegun and small arms fire from well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Clark maneuvered forward through the hail of hostile rounds toward the point of contact to assess the situation. He began to skillfully move his elements through the treacherous area to gain fire superiority. Observing a casualty lying in front of his position, Captain Clark exposed himself to Viet Cong fire raking the area as he crawled to the man and dragged him to a more secure position. Captain Clark then put forth a suppressive barrage on the insurgents which enabled the soldiers in his position to move from contact to a more advantageous location. Through the ensuing battle, he remained in constant contact with his platoons, the battalion, and various supporting units. His exemplary courage, outstanding leadership and bold determination were instrumental in saving a comrade’s life, and significantly contributed toward the successful outcome of the encounter. Captain Clark’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.