The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Charles J. Rachon (MCSN: 232078), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. On 21 April 1968, Company M was assigned a search and destroy mission in the ridges overlooking Highway Nine in the vicinity of Ca Lu in Quang Tri Province, an area known to contain an estimated company of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Proceeding with caution through dense jungle terrain, Private First Class Rachon’s platoon suddenly came under intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire which immediately killed the point man. Although slightly wounded himself, Private First Class Rachon unhesitatingly moved forward, assumed the point position and continued his advance. Encountering another burst of automatic weapons fire which wounded him in the left side, he was directed to return to the main body of the squad and receive treatment for his wound. Steadfastly maintaining that he was not seriously wounded and declaring his intention of silencing the enemy weapons position, Private First Class Rachon, without regard for his own safety, continued his advance on the well concealed entrenchment until he was killed by the enemy fire. By his courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Rachon upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.