The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles Lauderdale (MCSN: 288866), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Rifle Squad of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the attack on Ponte Hill, Mariana Islands, 25 July 1944. When his squad leader became a casualty during a fierce Japanese counterattack against the right flank of his rifle company, Private First Class Lauderdale immediately assumed command of the unit and, in the face of heavy enemy mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire, skillfully maneuvered his squad across approximately thirty yards of open terrain to a raised roadway running parallel to the flank of the rifle company. Braving the enemy fire to place his men in the most advantageous position afforded by the roadway, he repulsed the enemy’s fanatical charge, inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese with minimum loss to his own unit. By his aggressive action, Private First Class Lauderdale aided materially in protecting the entire right flank of the rifle company from a break-through. His outstanding leadership and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.