Charles C. Arndt’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

SERGEANT CHARLES C. ARNDT,
U.SM.C.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Regimental Intelligence Observer of the Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, during attacks against enemy Japanese forces in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the nights of August 12 and 18, 1942. When his patrol was ambushed by greatly superior forces, Sergeant Arndt courageously and fearlessly broke through the enemy lines, plunged into the sea, swam nearly 600 yards and then proceeded barefoot over coral reefs for two miles in an attempt to bring aid to his beleaguered comrades. Throughout this action he was continuously hunted and fired upon by enemy patrols. On the second occasion when his men were again surrounded by Japanese during the fight in the village of Matanikao, Sergeant Arndt, with utter disregard for his personal safety, swam out to sea to contact the artillery fire control boat for assistance. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.