The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles H. Richards (MCSN: 530801), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Radio Operator with a Shore Fire Control Party of the Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 25 February 1945. After the Naval Gunfire Spotting Officer and his assistant had been evacuated as casualties, Private First Class Richards assumed the duties of Naval Gunfire Spotter and, in the face of intense mortar and machine-gun fire, repaired breaks in the wire line leading to the radio station in communication with the firing ship. Maintaining Communication and spotting fire, he enabled the support ship to continue firing during the advance of the Battalion, thereby aiding in covering the consolidation of the ground gained. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.