The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Charles H. Smith (MCSN: 468904), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. While his platoon was attempting to advance up a ridge against strongly entrenched Japanese forces, Private First Class Smith moved ahead of his platoon’s position to a ridge exposed to hostile fire and, directing the fire of his platoon, at the same time inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy with his own weapon and with grenades. Although wounded during the action, he remained in his position and continued to direct fire for a period of more than an hour until he was evacuated by medical corpsmen. His aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Smith and the United States Naval Service.