The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Charles Vernon Rust (MCSN: 1067789), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 12 September 1951. Boldly leading his fire team through intense enemy fire in a daring frontal assault against a hostile stronghold of well-fortified bunkers on Hill 673, Corporal Rust skillfully knocked out the first of four bunkers with accurately placed grenades and, although sustaining a serious arm wound during the action, steadfastly refused evacuation to continue in the attack. As the assault team moved forward, he seized an automatic rifle and, resting it on a tree stump, delivered deadly fire with his uninjured arm to cover the advance. After neutralizing an enemy machine-gun emplacement, he courageously rejoined the leading elements for the assault on the final objective, taking command of his entire squad when its leader was fatally wounded. Leading the men steadily forward, he spearheaded a fierce assault on the remaining hostile positions, braving heavy enemy grenade fire to launch a final attack which enabled the remainder of the assaulting unit to secure the objective, although he himself fell, mortally wounded in this last valiant effort. By his heroic initiative, aggressive determination and unflagging devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Corporal Rust served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.