The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles P. Garber (MCSN: 0-96730), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 25 February 1969, while elements of Company H were occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base NEVILLE in Quang Tri Province, the Marines were subjected to a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army sapper company utilizing satchel charges and supported by mortar fire. Observing that the intense hostile fire had severed communications with the first platoon, First Lieutenant Garber unhesitatingly raced across the fire-swept terrain and, finding that the platoon commander had been seriously wounded, fearlessly moved from one fighting hole to another, coordinating the activities of the men and shouting words of encouragement to them. Throughout the ensuing engagement he ignored the enemy rounds impacting about him as he boldly maneuvered about the hazardous area, distributing ammunition to the men and ensuring effective communications. While moving from one fighting hole to another, First Lieutenant Garber was wounded by the detonation of a satchel charge but, ignoring his injury, boldly charged into the fire zone to assist casualties whom he had observed fall in positions dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Garber upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.