The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Charles Thomas Powell (MCSN: 2085259), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 May 1968. While conducting a search and destroy operation north of Dong Ha in Quang Tri Province, elements of Company I suddenly came under a heavy volume of mortar, small-arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and ! were pinned down. Sergeant Powell unhesitatingly took charge of a fire team and led it in an aggressive assault against an enemy mortar position. Disregarding the rounds impacting near him, he boldly maneuvered to within 40 meters of the hostile emplacement and deployed the Marines for an assault. Despite the intense enemy fire, he fearlessly led the attack across the fire-swept terrain and, upon reaching the edge of the emplacement, mortally wounded two hostile soldiers and caused four others to flee in panic and confusion. While continuing their advance his men sustained two casualties from hostile small arms fire. Notwithstanding a critically low supply of ammunition, Sergeant Powell aggressively moved forward to an advantageous position and, while delivering accurate suppressive fire on the enemy, was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injury, he steadfastly remained in a dangerously exposed situation, providing covering fire while a Corpsman administered first aid to his injured comrades. Upon silencing a hostile automatic weapon, he continued his resolute efforts, until he was mortally wounded. His bold initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inspired all who observed him, contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.