The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles B. Cornett (MCSN: 2307003), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 January 1969, Corporal Cornett was the Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two UH-1E helicopters participating in aerial reconnaissance missions from the An Hoa Airfield. As his flight was returning from an assignment, it came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy position. Reacting instantly, Corporal Cornett manned his door-mounted machine gun and commenced to deliver fire against the hostile force. In the initial moments of the attack, his helicopter was severely damaged and both the flight leader and the copilot were wounded. Although thrown back into the aircraft when an enemy round struck his arm, Corporal Cornett resolutely returned to his perilous position and, firing his machine gun with one hand, effectively suppressed the hostile fire. When his helicopter was out of the enemy’s range, he located the An Hoa Airfield for the injured copilot and assisted in maneuvering the damaged aircraft to a safe landing. Despite his weakened condition, Corporal Cornett helped the seriously wounded pilot from the cockpit and was securing the helicopter when he suddenly collapsed from the severity of his injury and became unconscious. By his initiative, extraordinary fortitude and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Cornett upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.