The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain Charles E. Wilhelm (MCSN: 0-90259), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Wilhelm distinguished himself on 5 May 1969 while serving as senior advisor to Vietnamese troops during combat operations in Quang Tin Province. While engaging well entrenched enemy elements on a search and clear mission, the Vietnamese Battalion commander was wounded by enemy fire. Captain Wilhelm, observing his wounded comrade in an exposed position, left his location to go to his aid. Captain Wilhelm exposed himself to intense enemy fire while applying first aid to the wounded commander. Captain Wilhelm then evacuated his comrade through the enemy fire to a relatively secure rear position. Upon completion of this act, Captain Wilhelm returned to a forward position where he initiated and directed accurate air strikes against the entrenched enemy and supervised the tactical movements of friendly troops. Captain Wilhelm’s actions were instrumental in permitting the friendly forces to drive the enemy from their fortified position and overrunning the bunker complex. Captain Wilhelm’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.