The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to:
HOSPITAL CORPSMAN THIRD CLASS
WILLIAM R. CHARETTE
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces
during the early morning hours. Participating in a fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed and well entrenched enemy force
occupying positions on a vital and bitterly contested outpost far in advance of he main line of resistrance, HC3c Charette repeatedly
and unhesitatingly moved about through a murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and mortar fire to render assistance to his
wounded comrades. When an enemy grenade landed within a few feet of a marine he was attending, he immediately threw himself
upon the sticken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missle with his body. Although sustaining painful facial
wounds, and undgoing shock from the the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical kit from his person. HC3c
Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off a part of his clothing, and gallantly continued to administer
medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in adjacent platoon areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade
who's armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast of an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and
placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of he added jeopardy to himself. Moving to the side of another casualty who
was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, HC3c Charette stood upright in the trench line and exposed himself to a
deadly hail of enemy fire in order to lend more effective aid to the victim and to alleviate his anguish while being removed to a
position of safety. By his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades, HC3c Charette was directly
responsible for saving many lives. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
/S/DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER