The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles M. Evers, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Commander, Third Platoon, India Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 8 June to 12 June 2006. During this period, Staff Sergeant Evers’ beleaguered platoon was attacked by a determined platoon-sized enemy force closing in from three separate directions, attempting to dislodge them from their observation post, and due to his personal example and decisive combat leadership, each attack was decidedly defeated. Staff Sergeant Evers, with complete disregard for his own safety, continuously braved intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire in order to provide an accurate assessment and better direct his platoon’s fires. The positions the Marines had deliberately prepared under Staff Sergeant Evers’ watchful eye withstood rocket propelled grenade detonations and thousands of enemy machine gun rounds. The enemy’s detonation of a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device did not deter the fighting spirit that Staff Sergeant Evers instilled in his Marines, and they executed their well-rehearsed battle drill to gain fire superiority over the enemy insurgents. His expert use of supporting arms to include close air support and tank main gun broke the back of the tenacious attackers. Staff Sergeant Evers’ resolute, decisive action, and refusal to submit to the enemy’s will embodies the ethos of a combat leader and ensured the platoon’s position would be held. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Evers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.