The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles E. Williams (MCSN: 2330620), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Anti-tank Assault Section Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 16 February 1969, Company D was assaulting a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-entrenched position in Quang Nam Province. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Williams fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a location dangerously exposed to the enemy fire from which he could more effectively observe the hostile emplacements. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he delivered accurate rocket fire upon the hostile fortifications while the Marines evacuated their casualties, steadfastly remaining in his hazardous position until he had expended all of his ammunition. Continuing his determined efforts, he then obtained a rifle from a wounded comrade and, moving to the location of several injured Marines, assisted in providing security for them. Observing that a fire team pinned down by the intense enemy fire had sustained casualties, he boldly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to assist his beleaguered comrades, and as he approached their location, he was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injury, he was resolutely moving the injured men to an area of relative safety when he was wounded a second time. Undaunted, he continued to assist the casualties and steadfastly refused medical aid until the other wounded Marines had been treated and moved to a protected location. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Williams was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.