The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Charles Ray Lyle (MCSN: 2326521), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Combined Action Platoon 1-3-5, Third Marine Amphibious Force in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 26 June 1968, Lance Corporal Lyle was Assistant Patrol Leader of a four man patrol that had moved approximately 1,600 meters from its base when an enemy mine was detonated, seriously wounding each member of the patrol and destroying the radio. Completely ignoring the pain of his own injuries, Lance Corporal Lyle selflessly moved among his men and administered first aid. When the patrol suddenly came under intense enemy small arms fire, he crawled to a vantage point where he steadfastly commenced delivering accurate M-79 grenade launcher fire until the enemy fire was suppressed. Moving across the open terrain to the one remaining patrol member who was able to move any distance, he directed him to return to the platoon compound and obtain a reaction force. When the patrol again came under heavy enemy fire, he crawled to an exposed position and delivered suppressive fire until a medical evacuation helicopter arrived. Then, coordinating his fire with that of supporting gunships, he enabled the helicopter to land and extract the patrol. His bold initiative and heroic actions inspired his fellow Marines and were instrumental in saving the lives of his comrades. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Lyle upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.