The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Williams Newcomb, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with an Infantry Company of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Waegwan, Korea, on 19 September 1950. First Lieutenant Newcomb, as a platoon leader, organized his men and attempted to cross the Naktong River by boat to attack the enemy on the farther bank. Their craft was overturned in midstream by enemy fire and First Lieutenant Newcomb led the men through neck-deep water in an attack against the enemy-held shore. After gaining a beachhead there, he led a volunteer group back into the river to rescue some wounded men stranded off a sandbar. He returned to his platoon and successfully overran and captured the enemy positions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Newcomb, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.