The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles G. Blanton (Clements) (MCSN: 1938124), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 December 1965, Sergeant Blanton demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage while serving in a patrol jointly conducted by Marines, United States Army Special Forces and Vietnamese military personnel deep within enemy controlled territory near the Ba To Special Forces Camp. When the patrol’s base camp was savagely attacked by more than two hundred Viet Cong, Sergeant Blanton courageously exposed himself in the midst of a heavy mortar barrage to assemble personnel in the immediate area and form a defensive perimeter. Quickly realizing that his position was not the main point of attack, he unhesitatingly moved his men into more advantageous firing positions. While Sergeant Blanton braved the withering fire to administer first aid to two casualties, the patrol leader and two other men were wounded. Completely disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Blanton immediately moved to assist them. When the patrol base was eventually overrun by the numerically superior force, Sergeant Blanton exhibited uncommon presence of mind and seemingly unlimited physical endurance in leading the group of men, including two wounded, through the dense jungle back to the Special Forces Camp. During the arduous move to the camp, he gallantly carried a wounded Vietnamese soldier on h is back for more than two miles over the rugged terrain. His daring initiative and resolute determination served to inspire and motivate all who were involved in the incident, and undoubtedly prevented those with him from being killed or captured by the overwhelming enemy force. By his extraordinary valor in the face of extreme danger, Sergeant Blanton reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.