The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Charles S. Ritter, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as Torpedo Captain aboard the U.S.S. AARON WARD (DD-483) during the engagement with Japanese naval forces off Guadalcanal on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. He courageously carried on the fight, although painfully wounded, when a direct hit beneath the torpedo tubes killed his trainer. After another shell tore away the radio antenna and fouled the tubes in the train, he cleared them and assumed the duties of trainer until relieved by the Torpedo Officer. He then made an inspection of damaged depth charges and assisted in clearing the ship of wreckage. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.