The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Charles H. McCann (MCSN: 0-30995), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as the Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. During an attack on heavily defended Motoyama Airfield Number Two, Second Lieutenant McCann led his platoon in blasting and destroying three enemy pillboxes. Forced by intense rifle and machine-gun fire to abandon his untenable position, he directed his men in an orderly withdrawal and administered first aid to the wounded. Learning that two casualties had been left on the fire-swept airstrip, he immediately went out alone to rescue them and had just reached the wounded men when he fell, mortally wounded. His courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant McCann and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.