The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles E. Killman (MCSN: 407721), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 29 June 1944. When the narrow ridge occupied by his company was subjected to an intense hostile mortar and machine gun barrage preparatory to an attack by enemy forces, Corporal Killman bravely exposed himself repeatedly to watch and report the direction and progress of the Japanese advance. Establishing communication with his company’s 60-mm. mortar section, he skillfully directed extremely effective fire against hostile troop concentrations, thereby contributing materially to the successful repulse of the attack. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.