The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Charles Edgar Wuertenberger (ASN: 0-105098), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Wuertenberger distinguished himself on 17 January 1968, while accompanying Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, on a sweep operation in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early afternoon hours, Company C came under intense enemy fire from an estimated reinforced Company of North Vietnamese Troops, fighting from fortified positions. Captain Wuertenberger immediately detached himself from the Company Command Group to assist the Company Commander in organizing defensive positions. While making his way toward the second platoon, under intense enemy fire, Captain Wuertenberger noticed a trail leading off to the flank of the company. With complete disregard for his own safety and exposing himself to heavy small arms fire, he laid down a base of fire and positioned a machine gun team to cover the open area and trail. Just as the gun team moved into place an attack was launched along the trail. The heavy volume of fire laid down by Captain Wuertenberger and the machine gun team repelled the attack. During the encounter Captain Wuertenberger was wounded by small arms fire. In spite of his wounds he continued to fire his weapon effectively while exposing himself to enemy fire. The enemy, after a brief lull in the action, suddenly launched an attack at the rear of the company, where wounded soldiers were being treated. While making his way to the position under attack, Captain Wuertenberger was fatally wounded. Captain Wuertenberger’s actions in combat inspired the men of Company C, and saved the lives of many. His personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.