Charles D. Mize

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles D. Mize (0-38729), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 23 to 27 September 1950. When the Company Commander was wounded and evacuated from Hill 216 in the vicinity of Seoul, First Lieutenant Mize immediately assumed command of the company and, by his alert and efficient leadership, successfully assisted the Battalion in carrying out its mission of protecting the FIRST Marine Division’s left flank from counterattack and enemy infiltration. During a coordinated attack against heavy hostile resistance at the approaches to Seoul from 24 to 27 September, he repeatedly exposed himself to accurate and intensive hostile small-arms, automatic and mortar fire in order t o direct the fire of his company and to encourage his men. Refusing to be evacuated when wounded in action, he continued to lead his company in overrunning enemy positions and seizing the desired objectives. In a later attack against the enemy through the streets of Seoul, he led his company in capturing the Government General Palace in the face of heavy resistance and hoisted the United States flag over the building. His courage, outstanding leadership and loyal devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Mize and the United States Naval Service.