The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles S. Giffin (MCSN: 328123), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Acting Platoon Sergeant of Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 March 1945. Learning that his section leader had been wounded at a forward post, Sergeant Giffin immediately assumed command and reorganized the section. Moving forward through hostile small arms and mortar fire, he located an observation post from which he skillfully directed and controlled effective rocket fire. After the mission was successfully completed, he risked his life to seek out the wounded officer and carry him to a position of comparative safety. By his initiative and conduct under fire, Sergeant Griffin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.