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 above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman serving with a Marine Rifle Company in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the early morning hours on 27 March 1953. 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 the main line of resistance, Petty Officer 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 on the stricken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missle with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds, and undergoing shock from the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical kit from his person. Petty Officer Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off part of his clothing and gallantly continued to administer medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in an adjacent platoon as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade whose armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast from and exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of the added jeopardy to himself. Moving to the side of another casualty who was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, Petty Officer 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 moved to a position of safety. By his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades, Petty Officer Charette was directly responsible for saving many lives. His great personal valor reflected the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.