The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles H. Brush, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5901), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during engagement against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Taivu, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on August 19, 1942, and in the Tenaru Sector on August 21, 1942. Leading his patrol toward the village of Taivu, Captain Brush, suddenly encountering a group of Japanese, brilliantly directed the ensuing fight which resulted in overwhelming defeat for the enemy, while his own losses were extremely small. From documents found on the bodies of four Japanese officers killed during the battle, and material carried by the patrol, Captain Brush gained valuable information about the enemy’s presence, strength and intentions. Two days later, while counterattacking in the face of heavy machine gun and mortar fire, he directed his company with such courageous initiative that the entire enemy force was either killed or captured. By his able and distinguished leadership he contributed immeasurably to the success of the engagement.