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 to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Charles F. Bunch (ASN: 0-5419846), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Bunch distinguished himself by heroic actions on 10 January 1968, while serving as Commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 8th Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, at Fire Support Base FOREST near Yom Rang in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. When the enemy launched a massive attack on the fire support base, early mortar rounds severed all communications between the fire direction center and the battery’s howitzers. The enemy managed to overrun three perimeter bunkers and were threatening to overrun number four and six howitzers. Lieutenant Bunch raced from one position to the other directing effective fire, encouraging and organizing his men, and aiding and evacuating the wounded. When he heard cries from the number six howitzer position that the enemy was massing for a final desperate effort to overrun the position he scrambled across open ground to the beleaguered position. He swiftly and expertly directed deadly direct fire at minimum elevation against the charging enemy and inflicted heavy losses on the advancing Viet Cong. After killing at least seven enemy soldiers the tide quickly turned and Lieutenant Bunch then supervised continuous defensive fire until dawn. His valorous actions and outstanding leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Lieutenant Bunch’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.