Charles S. Ray

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Charles S. Ray (NSN: 5687655), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1950. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ray, serving as a Corpsman, was near the battalion aid station during an enemy ambush of the battalion column. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he advanced from a covered position in the face of enemy machine gun and hand grenade fire to a tank that had become stalled when the crewmen were overcome by exhaust fumes. He removed the five crewmen and administered artificial respiration to them while still under heavy enemy fire. The heroic actions of Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ray thereby saved the lives of the five crewmen who were able to re-man their tank and re-enter action. The subsequent actions of this tank neutralized the enemy resistance and permitted passage of the convoy column which had been unable to move because the tank had blocked the road. He thereby contributed materially to the successful completion of the mission of his battalion. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ray’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.