Charles W. Lender

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles W. Lender (0-1881783), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the night of 24 May 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Lieutenant Lender was the leader of an 18 man ambush patrol in position on the slope of an enemy held hill. The group was soon attacked by a reinforced enemy platoon. Lieutenant Lender immediately deployed his men to combat the attack and bravely directed their fire. During the encounter, Lieutenant Lender courageously advanced forward of the patrol perimeter to retrieve a radio dropped in the initial action. Ignoring the heavy enemy fire, he succeeded in reaching the radio and carried it back toward the patrol. Lieutenant Lender was mortally wounded, however, before he could utilize the radio. His valiant actions and heroic disregard for his personal safety enabled the men to contact friendly lines and direct reinforcements to the scene of action. Lieutenant Lender’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.