The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles T. Williamson (MCSN: 0-53822), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 April 1952. When a swift attack by a numerically superior enemy force overran one of his outposts and pinned the remainder of his platoon down with intense enemy small arms and supporting fire, Second Lieutenant Williamson quickly called in accurate friendly fire to cover the withdrawal of the men in the besieged position. Courageously exposing himself to fierce hostile artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire, he began checking each of his platoon positions and, though wounded several times and suffering from the concussion of an enemy shell, refused to take cover until assured that his unit was prepared to meet any further enemy attempt at penetration. When the hostile fire lifted, Second Lieutenant Williamson immediately went forward leading a four-man patrol and, despite complete darkness and the probable presence of the enemy, reconnoitered the area forward of his platoon sector. The following morning, he bravely led a patrol forward to retake the lost outpost. By his outstanding courage, initiative and unyielding devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Williamson served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.