The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Charles Lawrence Horowitz (NSN: 0-524895), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in connection with operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force as Commander River Assault Squadron NINE, from February 1967 to January 1968. Lieutenant Commander Horowitz molded his newly formed squadron into an effective fighting force in the revolutionary concept of riverine operations. He was responsible for quickly and effectively preparing his command for full scale offensive operations against units of the Viet Cong in the Rung Sat Special Zone and various other areas throughout the Mekong Delta while operating in conjunction with the 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. As a result of Lieutenant Commander Horowitz’s exceptional leadership and professional skill, River Assault Squadron NINE applied the techniques of modern warfare to the concepts of riverine warfare that were last practiced by the United States in the Civil War. Many of the special techniques developed by River Assault Squadron NINE have become and will continue to be the guidelines for all United States Naval units engaged in riverine-type operations. His sense of responsibility, professionalism, personal bravery and outstanding leadership in direct participation in combat operations is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Horowitz is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderRegiment:
River Assault Squadron 9Division:
River Assault Flotilla 1Action Date:
June 19 – 21, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Charles Lawrence Horowitz (NSN: 0-524895), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against the Communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 19 June to 21 June 1967. During this period, units of River Assault Flotilla ONE conducted combat riverine assault operations during Operation CORONADO (CONCORDIA I), in support of the 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. The engagement took place in the Long An Province in the Republic of Vietnam and resulted in a decisive victory over elements of the Viet Cong 5th Nha Be Battalion. During Operation CORONADO (CONCORDIA I), Lieutenant Commander Horowitz, Commander Fiver Assault Squadron NINE, embarked in CCB- 92-1, was assigned as Officer in Tactical Command in supporting riverine assault craft. In this capacity, he was responsible for all Navy close support of the Second Brigade ground units. Throughout the day of 19 June, he continuously visited each scene of hostile contact to evaluate targets, coordinate offensive fire and supply visual reconnaissance. In every instance, although constantly exposed to intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Commander Horowitz effectively coordinated all movements of both River Assault Divisions and repeatedly quelled enemy fortifications in direct support of Army ground units. On several occasions, he directed his CCB to within 50 yards of enemy fortifications to aid friendly forces which were pinned down. At 1800 on 19 June, a burst of heavy automatic weapons fire hit his CCB, one bullet striking Lieutenant Commander Horowitz in the leg. Although bleeding badly, which shortly resulted in temporary loss of consciousness, he refused to be evacuated from the area of operations until he had instructed his division commanders with a complete tactical brief and the relieving squadron commander had arrived on the scene and was fully informed. His outstanding professionalism, sense of responsibility, and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.