The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Charles Alden Black, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On the night of 31 July 1944, in company with two Dutch scouts and one Javanese soldier, he was part of a scouting mission on Roemberpon Island, in western Geelvink Bay, with the purpose of securing information relative to enemy barge movement in the area. In cooperation with the natives, four Japanese soldiers were lured to the island. Upon observing the trap, all actively resisted. He immediately killed one and after a sharp skirmish he and his party captured two others. His interrogation of the prisoners obtained information which resulted directly in the destroying of six enemy barges within the next ten days. He showed aggressiveness and courage, and his leadership was outstanding. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.