The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Charles W. Giger, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as coxswain of the guide boat leading an assault wave to the beach at Salerno 9 – 10 September 1943. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Giger piloted the boats to a successful, expeditious landing despite intense enemy fire and the attack of a viciously strafing plane. His skillful direction of machine gun fire scored numerous hits on enemy aircraft. 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.