The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Charles Hans Larsen (MCSN: 326691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. Unhesitatingly assuming command when his company commander was killed during an assault on the enemy, Staff Sergeant Larsen fearlessly led the platoon against the well-entrenched, heavily armed hostile forces on high ground and, undaunted by intense enemy fire, succeeded in seizing his assigned objective despite his depleted ranks. Encouraging the men by his exemplary actions, he directed them in returning accurate and effective fire which inflicted heavy losses on the enemy forces who fought desperately from three sides to defend their commanding positions. By his cool leadership, tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit, Staff Sergeant Larsen contributed materially to the success of our forces in gaining an entrance to Seoul, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
December 1 – 7, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Hans Larsen (MCSN: 326691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 1 to 7 December 1950. When his company was subjected to a strong enemy attack while deployed in defensive positions near Yudam-ni on 1 December, Staff Sergeant Larsen repeatedly exposed himself to heavy hostile fire to move among his men, directing their fire and encourage them until the enemy attack was successfully repulsed. On 7 December, while under attack by a numerically superior enemy force which succeeded in overrunning several platoon positions, he exposed himself to the extremely heavy hostile fire to lead a hastily organized group of eight men in a counterattack on a hillcrest which had been lost to the enemy. After recapturing the hillcrest, he was fatally wounded as he was consolidating his position. By his outstanding leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Larsen contributed materially to the successful defense of his company’s position, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.