The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles E. Long (MCSN: 0-40199/356909), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 22 June 1944. With his platoon leader a casualty during an extremely bitter fire fight against the enemy, Sergeant Long immediately assumed command and, after assembling his men who had been scattered over a wide area by heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, directed a skillful withdrawal. Although seriously wounded during the fierce action, he refused evacuation and promptly reorganized for a second attack. Fearlessly leading his men through bitter hostile machine-gun and mortar fire, he fought gallantly against tremendous odds, contributing to the route of the enemy from the area and to the success of his platoon in seizing the assigned objective. By his forceful and determined leadership, his outstanding fortitude and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Long served as an inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.