The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles R. Connelly, Jr. (MCSN: 1186450), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 June 1952. When a fellow Marine was seriously wounded during an enemy night attack on the outpost forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Connelly unhesitatingly left his covered position to aid his stricken comrade and carried him an estimated forty yards through intense hostile fire to the center of the squad’s position. Voluntarily assuming the point position as the unit withdrew, he observed two of the enemy near the protective wire of friendly lines and fearlessly charged forward with his bayonet, accounting for two enemy dead. Reconnoitering the area, he hurled grenades into suspected hostile positions and continued on as point until the squad was safely inside the main line of resistance. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Connelly was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine and contributed materially to the orderly withdrawal of the squad, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.