The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles F. Horvath (MCSN: 0-18420), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 27 February to 3 March 1945. Courageously leading his men in the face of strong enemy opposition throughout this period, First Lieutenant Horvath went forward through heavy hostile fire over difficult terrain to locate a gap in our lines on 2 March and maneuvering his company into position along the route he had chosen, saved the lives of many of his men. Ordered to disengage from the Japanese and fill another gap in the lines later that day, he braved the deadly barrage of enemy fire falling in his company’s lines and succeeded in executing the difficult maneuver. Undaunted by heavy casualties from treacherous mine fields and heavy hostile fire the next day, he led his men in attack against a prominent hill and, although painfully wounded himself, made a report which aided his Commanding Officer in accomplishing the Battalion’s mission. His inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.