The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles Earl Jenkins (MCSN: 2116407), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 September 1967, during Operation SWIFT, Sergeant Jenkins’ platoon came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire closely followed with an assault by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Observing that his platoon commander was critically wounded and realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Jenkins unhesitatingly assumed command of the unit. Disregarding his own safety, he ably led his platoon against the hostile force and repeatedly maneuvered from one position to another, encouraging his men and directing their fire. During the fierce engagement, he personally killed five enemy soldiers who had infiltrated his unit’s positions. Late in the afternoon of 6 September, his unit again came under a vicious enemy attack and sustained numerous casualties. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, Sergeant Jenkins maneuvered throughout his platoon’s position for over an hour, directing and supervising fire discipline, until he was seriously wounded by the enemy fire. Disregarding his painful injury, he continued to expose himself to the hostile fire and when the North Vietnamese were repulsed, ably assisted the company commander in consolidating the company’s perimeter and in preparing the casualties for medical evacuation. Only after assuring himself that all other casualties had received medical aid and were evacuated, did he allow himself to be treated and evacuated. His superb leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, exceptional professionalism and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant Jenkins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.