The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles D. Jones (MCSN: 0-88170), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, 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. Assigned to a search and clear mission of the Tuyet Diem village complex on 5 December 1965, First Lieutenant Jones held his platoon in ambush throughout the previous night, then, at dawn, stealthily moved them to the edge of the hamlet. Although sensing that Viet Cong harbored within the densely populated area numbered twice his strength, First Lieutenant Jones skillfully exploited the enemy’s unpreparedness, immediately deploying his platoon in three directions and surging forward in pursuit of the surprised guerrillas. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself during the violent fire fight which ensued, fearlessly racing through open rice paddies from one element of his platoon to another, maneuvering, coordinating and encouraging his men. As a result of his daring and aggressive action, forty-nine Viet Cong were killed or wounded, while no Marine casualties were sustained. By his extraordinary leadership, dauntless courage and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, First Lieutenant Jones upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.