The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles E. Olewine (MCSN: 0-31035), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader. Attached to Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Carrying out his duties with skill and courage throughout this hazardous operation, Second Lieutenant Olewine led a bold and aggressive attack against a hostile six-inch coastal defense gun position and, refusing to leave his men in order to receive medical treatment for painful mortar fragment wounds sustained in both legs during the furious action, remained with the platoon until it was relieved from the lines and placed in tactical support. Later that night, with his unit again ordered into the line to reinforce an insecure sector, Second Lieutenant Olewine skillfully executed this dangerous night displacement and, fighting a brisk skirmish with a large group of infiltrating Japanese, succeeded in reducing the threat of enemy penetration of our front defenses. His fearless leadership, indomitable spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were decisive factors in the advance of his platoon against the ruthless and fanatic Japanese, and his courageous conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Olewine and the United States Naval Service.