Charles William Bius

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 59425 (August 2, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Charles W. Bius (MCSN: 893703), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Crew Chief of an Amphibian Tractor of the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 10 May 1945.
Following the withdrawal of the front lines, Private First Class Bius volunteered to lead his tractor and another over extremely hazardous terrain to evacuate wounded men who had been left behind in the valley. Although previous attempts by stretcher bearers to reach the casualties had proven unsuccessful and there was no definite established route, he personally reconnoitered the valley, found an adequate route and led the two amphibian tractors to the place where the wounded lay.
Placing one tractor at a right angle to the ramp of the other to protect the casualties from heavy enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire, he braved the hostile fire to make a thorough search for the scattered wounded while others were being loaded and, after fifty-two casualties had been picked up, conducted the tractors to the nearest aid station. By his initiative and courage, he contributed materially to the saving of many lives. His conduct throughout reflects the highest credit on Private First Class Bius and the United States Naval Service.