The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Charles M. Nees (MCSN: 0-4955), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a forward observer, for the Fifth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, supporting the First Marine Raider Battalion in defense of Lunga Ridge, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, against enemy Japanese forces on 13 to 14 September 1942. During a determined attempt of the enemy to seize the Guadalcanal airport, Major Nees, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, took over from an observation post a few feet from the front line. Exposed on all sides to the terrific fire from enemy machine guns and mortars, as well as exploding hand grenades, Major Nees dauntlessly remained at his post from midnight on through eight critical and grueling hours, directing the fire of his battalion so effectively that the hostile attack was disrupted and all attempts to dislodge the marines were repulsed with heavy Japanese losses. By his fine technical skill and bravery above and beyond the call of duty, he enabled the infantry units to maintain their position and contributed to the brilliant success of the engagement.