Charles O. Black’s Silver Star citation

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

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CHARLES O. BLACK, USMC.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Aircraft Group TWENTY-THREE during the bombardment of Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, by enemy Japanese surface and air forces on the early morning of October 16, 1942.When the terrific fire of a Japanese surface craft blasted and felled a tree which killed one marine and seriously wounded another caught beneath it, Private First Class Black, at great risk of his life, voluntarily rushed out in the face of intense Japanese fire, and with several companions succeeded in extricating their wounded comrade and getting him prompt medical attention. The unselfish initiative and heroic efforts of Private First Class Black and his companion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.