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 Private First Class Charles A. Gunn, United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in action on 29 April 1971 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Gunn distinguished himself while serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle machine gunner during a security mission north of Trang Bang. As his platoon advanced they encountered a hostile force firing rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons from well-fortified positions. Observing that a nearby vehicle was struck by an enemy rocket, Private Gunn went to his comrades’ assistance. Amid a hail of enemy bullets, he carried two wounded soldiers from their damaged track to his vehicle. Remounting his vehicle, he provided suppressive fire as his track moved to the evacuation point. Returning to the front lines, Private Gunn continued to put devastating fire upon the adversary’s positions, silencing several enemy bunkers. Private First Class Gunn’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.