The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles E. Patrick (MCSN: 0-39540), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader of Company B, Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, Fleet Marine Force during reconnaissance operations against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands on the nights of 10 and 11 July 1944. Dauntlessly swimming ashore on two successive nights to within range of hostile ashore emplacements on enemy held beaches, Second Lieutenant Patrick expertly obtained detailed geographical data vital to Naval intelligence and by his cautious persistence and skilled initiative, affected the safe return of all personnel to their base. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout these extremely hazardous missions, Second Lieutenant Patrick contributed materially to the success of the subsequent Tinian operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.