Charles Obanion Black

Staff Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander South Pacific Force & Area: Serial 724 (March 7, 1943)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles O. Black (MCSN: 345847), United States Marine Corps, 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 16 October 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.