The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Charles L. Meadows (MCSN: 0-83834), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 February 1968, Company F was participating in action to liberate Hue City, which had been occupied by North Vietnamese Army forces at the onset of their Tet offensive, when its advance was delayed by strong opposition from hostile soldiers occupying well-fortified emplacements behind the thick walls of the Province Prison located within the city. Realizing the necessity for immediate action to ensure the continuance of the attack, Major Meadows, then a Captain unhesitatingly braved the intense enemy small arms, rocket, and mortar fire to move to the front of his company and rapidly assess the situation. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly moved about the hazardous terrain in full view of the hostile soldiers as he directed the delivery of accurate mortar, rocket, and recoilless rifle fire at the heavy wall surrounding the prison. When his gunners had blasted a hole through the four-foot thick concrete, Major Meadows then boldly led his men through the breach and into close combat with the tenacious defenders, during which he personally accounted for three hostile soldiers killed. Inspired by his fearless leadership and bold courage, Company G attacked the enemy with such vigor that, during a fierce battle, the Marines inflicted numerous casualties upon the North Vietnamese Army unit and drove it from the position. By his heroic actions, aggressive fighting spirit, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Major Meadows contributed significantly to the seizure of the important stronghold and the subsequent liberation of the City of Hue and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.