The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles M. Brown (MCSN: 310902), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in Marine Gun Squad of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 May 1945. When the platoon to which his machine-gun squad was attached was receiving heavy casualties, Private First Class Brown noticed that the loss of the platoon leader and the non-commissioned officers was disorganizing his platoon. On his own initiative, he placed his squad in an advantageous position to cover the reorganization of the platoon and fearlessly braved heavy enemy machine-gun and mortar fire to assist in the reorganization of the remnants of the platoon. By his indomitable fighting spirit and courage, he spurred the men of his platoon to move on and accomplish their mission. His staunch devotion to duty reflects the highest credit on Private First Class Brown and the United States Naval Service.