The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Charles A. Hotchkiss (MCSN: 449016), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Runner of Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 20 to 24 November 1943. With communication facilities inoperative following landing operations on D-Day, Private Hotchkiss fearlessly risked his life to carry vital messages throughout the most bitter phase of the engagement and in addition braved the enemy’s shattering barrages to guide a machine gun squad from an isolated area to its designated position. Wounded while clearing a mine field with several of his comrades on 21 November, he made repeated trips back to the area to rescue other wounded men despite the extreme danger of further detonations. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and cool courage in the face of grave peril, Private Hotchkiss served as an inspiration to others in the immediate vicinity and contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.