The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles W. Bedenbaugh (MCSN: 0-55996), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Reconnaissance Patrol Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 29 – 30 January 1953. When his patrol reached a point close to its objective far forward of the main lines, Second Lieutenant Bedenbaugh discovered a numerically superior enemy force moving into a position to completely cut off the patrol from friendly forces. Immediately leading his men to more advantageous terrain, he quickly placed them in a hasty defense to repel the attackers. With the enemy employing automatic weapons and machine guns which were located at critical points throughout the surrounding area, he continually moved along the line to direct the fire of his men and to call in mortar fire from friendly positions, inflicting severe casualties upon the enemy and forcing them to withdraw. Despite heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire, he succeeded in recovering all friendly casualties and in gathering enemy equipment before leading his patrol over hazardous ice-covered terrain to friendly lines. By his inspiring leadership, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Bedenbaugh upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.