Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles Robert Eisenbach, II (MCSN: 0-101622), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 July 1968, Second Lieutenant Eisenbach was leading a reconnaissance patrol in Quang Nam Province when the unit suddenly came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and the lead elements were pinned down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he immediately directed the remainder of his men to maneuver to aid the beleaguered Marines while he fearlessly moved forward to direct the fire of his men. Ignoring the enemy fire impacting around him, he moved about the fire-swept terrain deploying his men into advantageous firing positions and directing their fire until he was seriously wounded. Although he was partially paralyzed and unable to move, he continued to direct his men while simultaneously adjusting airstrikes and supporting artillery fire upon the hostile positions. Disregarding his painful injury, he resolutely controlled his unit throughout the remainder of the fire fight. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Eisenbach upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    January 26 – July 13, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Second Lieutenant Charles Robert Eisenbach, II (MCSN: 0-101622), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, from 26 January to 13 July 1968. Throughout this period, Second Lieutenant Eisenbach performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Utilizing his vast experience, he supervised the training of personnel newly arrived in the Republic of Vietnam, frequently accompanying them on their initial patrols in order to assure himself of their proficiency. On one occasion his team was inserted into an area never before patrolled to search for a suspected battalion-size enemy base camp. When the Marines suddenly heard voices all around them, Second Lieutenant Eisenbach skillfully maneuvered his team to evade the hostile force and, upon arriving at a relatively secure location, directed air strikes and artillery fire on the enemy position. Second Lieutenant Eisenbach’s professionalism, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Second Lieutenant Eisenbach is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)