The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles L. Messineo (MCSN: 305235), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing operations at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville Island, on 1 November 1943. Carrying a wire line from the Regimental Command Post to the First Battalion, Corporal Messineo made his extremely hazardous way along nearly four thousand yards of exposed beach and for several hundred yards was subjected to persistent enemy rifle and machine-gun fire. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he courageously persevered in his efforts and, when attacked at one point by a Japanese patrol, joined with several nearby comrades in destroying the enemy and then continued his task of establishing vital communications at the earliest possible moment between the regiment and the battalion. Corporal Messineo’s splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty throughout this dangerous and important mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.