Charles M. Rutledge

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles M. Rutledge (RA16327641), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 6 September 1952, Sergeant Rutledge’s unit was attempting to reoccupy positions which the enemy had overrun near Sateo-ri, Korea. Having volunteered to participate in an assault against the well entrenched enemy force, Sergeant Rutledge advanced with his comrades until intense enemy mortar, grenade and small arms fire broke the attack and divided the assaulting force. Several patrol members were wounded including Sergeant Rutledge. Disregarding his painful wounds, Sergeant Rutledge reorganized the men in his vicinity and led them toward the point where the platoon leader and another man were pinned down. Standing fully exposed to the enemy, he killed one enemy soldier who was about to throw a grenade. Another enemy soldier appeared and Sergeant Rutledge, again exposing himself, killed him also. As the ferocity of the enemy fire increased, the friendly force was slowly driven back. Sergeant Rutledge regrouped his men and led an aggressive counterattack. While leading this heroic assault he received serious injuries which forced his evacuation. Sergeant Rutledge killed two enemy soldiers and, by his courageous actions, enabled his unit to continue the attack against the enemy. His inspirational leadership, tactical skill, and determined devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.