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 (Armor) Charles W. Doubleday, III (ASN: 0-5256666), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 1 December 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Doubleday’s platoon was performing a sweep mission through a North Vietnamese Army base camp, when it suddenly came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant Doubleday, reacting instantly, positioned his platoon so as to secure all routes of escape available to the enemy. Accomplishing this maneuver, Lieutenant Doubleday led his platoon in the systematic destruction of the enemy base camp. Displaying a high degree of courage and disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Doubleday on two different occasions during the fierce engagement, single-handedly charged the enemy emplacements and directed highly accurate fire into the bunker apertures. Lieutenant Doubleday’s fearless action and exceptional leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission, which accounted for 32 North Vietnamese Army killed in action and the confiscation of a large amount of valuable intelligence material. First Lieutenant Doubleday’s unwavering devotion to duty, courage and professional ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.