The Secretary of the Navy takes pride in presenting the
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL posthumously to

CORPORAL CHARLES L. COLEMAN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following 

CITATION:

                         “For heroic achievement while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company D, First Battalion, Twenty-Six Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 May 1968, while conducting a search and destroy operation near DaNang, Company D suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well concealed North Vietnamese Army force and was pinned down, Realizing the seriousness  of the situation, Corporal COLEMAN immediately employed his machine gun and delivered a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the hostile emplacements. 

Directed to withdraw to allow supporting arms fire to be utilized against the enemy, he ignored the hostile rounds impacting near him and ably provided accurate covering fire which enabled his comrades to reach positions of relative safety. 

Attempting to rejoin his unit, he was fatally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. His heroic action and outstanding leadership inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal COLEMAN upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.” 

The Combat “V” is authorized. 

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC