The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles H. Smith (MCSN: 278640), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a platoon of Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 22 February 1944. Resolutely determined to remain in action despite numerous grenade wounds, Private First Class Smith requested permission from the platoon leader to remain in combat when directed to withdraw by his platoon sergeant. Ordered to report to the aid station for medical treatment, he proceeded toward the rear and, meeting hospital corpsmen en route, received emergency first aid treatment and returned immediately to the firing line. Plunging into the furious fire fight, he again engaged the enemy, personally accounting for the lives of four Japanese as the battle raged and later manning a fox-hole to aid in holding the forward defense line throughout the night. His initiative, determination and self-sacrificing devotion to duty during a critical stage of the action reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Smith and the United States Naval Service.