The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Charles Leslie Smith (MCSN: 2456090), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 March 1969. Two squads had departed the Company A perimeter in the A Shau Valley to patrol an area known to contain a heavy concentration of North Vietnamese soldiers. As the Marines moved toward their objective, they came under intense hostile sniper fire and sustained one casualty. Under the cover of supporting machine gun fire, the squad attempted to move forward to reach the wounded man, but two more Marines were injured in the effort. Realizing an approach would have to be made from another direction, Private First Class Smith and two other Marines moved over a small embankment toward the three casualties and were able to stay under cover to within approximately twenty feet of the area where the wounded men were lying. Observing that one of the tree men was in need of immediate medical aid, Private First Class Smith, after requesting covering fire, fearlessly exposed himself to intense hostile fire as he jumped over the embankment and ran across the open terrain toward his fallen comrade. While engaged in this selfless task, Private First Class Smith was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired his companions to continue their efforts until the wounded Marines were safely evacuated. By his courage, sincere concern for his comrades and selfless devotion to duty. Private First Class Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.