The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles M. Adams (MCSN: 334573), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Depot Company A, Branch Number Three, Fourth Base Depot, First Marine Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, 1 October 1943. When aerial bombs hit and set afire U.S.S. LST 448 while it was unloading on the beach, Corporal Adams assisted in all authorized salvage operations despite the danger from exploding gasoline and ammunition. Disposing of high explosives from the upper deck of the ship, he led others in attempts to extinguish the flames in the hold and in the evacuation of casualties from the burning hold and upper deck. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Adams and the United States Naval Service.