The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles D. Raper (MCSN: 0-103141), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 May 1968, when a platoon from Company L became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force in fortified positions near Khe Sanh, Second Lieutenant Raper unhesitatingly led his platoon to reinforce the beleaguered unit. Following the employment of supporting artillery and mortar fire, the besieged platoon launched an attack against the enemy positions, but were halted by hand grenade attack from the enemy’s position atop a steep slope. Directed to seize the well prepared positions, Second Lieutenant Raper aggressively maneuvered his platoon forward and, firing his pistol, fearlessly led the assault. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he directed his men and shouted words of encouragement, overrunning the first two enemy positions and killing three North Vietnamese. Consolidating his forces, he then continued the assault and seized the last enemy emplacement, killing three additional enemy soldiers. Although wounded during the fire fight, Second Lieutenant Raper supervised the members of his platoon in searching the hostile bunkers, seizing five weapons and numerous other items of equipment. Ignoring his painful injuries, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation until he had returned his platoon to the battalion position. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Raper was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.