The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Charles F. Widdecke (MCSN: 0-8547), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 to 25 July 1944. Landing in the assault on Guam, Captain Widdecke led his men to the left flank of our invading force and, securing a position on the beach in the face of strong opposition, prepared for the attack against the fanatic enemy holding Orote Peninsula and its strategic airfield. A fearless and brilliant leader, he inspired his company to sustain the momentum of the subsequent attacks despite the bitterness of the action and the many casualties sustained by his Marines. With his company’s advance disrupted by heavy machine-gun, rifle, artillery and mortar barrages, on 25 July, Captain Widdecke organized his men and, stepping out in front of all troops, led them in a bold and aggressive charge through intense hostile fire. Throwing the full power of his unit into the fight, he smashed the resisting Japanese with terrific impact, blasting defenses and capturing the hostile position before he himself was seriously wounded. His daring initiative, indomitable spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were important factors in the success of our operations against the enemy on Guam, and his heroic conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Captain Widdecke and the United States Naval Service.