The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles M. Skinner, Jr. (MCSN: 486447), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as member of a combat patrol attached to the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on November 23, 1943. When enemy forces, concealed in the thick jungle, entrapped and surrounded his patrol, Private First Class Skinner voluntarily moved forward to gain a position behind the Japanese lines and, by his determined and accurate fire, effectively disconcerted the enemy, breaking up the coordination of the hostile attack and enabling his patrol to escape from the trap. Twice severely wounded during his lone battle against the enemy and weak from loss of blood, Private First Class Skinner, although unable to rise, was still firing when found by a relief party. He later joined in the fire fight against a counter-attacking hostile force, gallantly manning his weapon until he was no longer able to support it. His exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.