The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Garrett (MCSN: 1489226), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with a Combined Action Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours our 8 December 1966, a large and well trained Viet Cong force succeeded in penetrating the platoon’s position near Tan Hy village. Although the platoon, consisting of six Marines, one Navy Corpsman and nineteen Popular Forces soldiers, was quick to react, by sheer force of numbers the enemy managed to penetrated all sides of the position, firing small arms and throwing grenades at close range. During the first few minutes of the attack, seventeen of the defenders were wounded, ten fatally. Realizing the gravity of the situation and although seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant Garrett firmly gained control of the situation and without regard for his safety, organized those still capable of fighting into an effective counterattack force. Under his dynamic leadership and display of fighting spirit, the small force engaged the enemy at close quarters, causing the attackers to lose their momentum, break contact and leave numerous dead and weapons behind. Immediately consolidating his position, Staff Sergeant Garrett selflessly began treating the other wounded, while arranging for medical evacuation by helicopter. Continuing to display calm courage, he refused evacuation for himself until all others had been evacuated. Staff Sergeant Garrett’s inspiring leadership and heroic actions throughout undoubtedly prevented the annihilation of all occupants of the position and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.