CHARLES H. MONROE received the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism while serving as rifleman in Company H, Third Bn., First Marines, First Marine Division. On 28 and 29 November, his unit was in action against enemy aggresor forces near Hararu-ri, Korea. Severly wounded and blown from his foxhole by a hostile grenade when a numerically superior enemy force attacked and penetrated his company’s positions, the then PFC Monroe repeatedly refused evacuation and medical attention and fearlessly remained directly in the line of hostile assault. Although his squad was pinned down by heavy enemy opposition, he continued to deliver accurate and effective fire until he lost consciousness. By his daring initiative, outstanding courage and skilled marksmanship, he personally destroyed eleven of the enemy, thereby inspiring the remaining members of his squad to more determined efforts in successfully repulsing the hostile attack. His indomitable fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.

Mr. Monroe joined the Legion of Valor in 1977.