Charles Walker Trout
1st Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps
Silver Star
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 031619 (October 4, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Charles W. Trout (MCSN: 0-28559), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 4 May 1945.
Leading his platoon in an attack across an open fire swept field under intense hostile machine gun and heavy mortar barrages with resultant severe casualties to his unit, First Lieutenant Trout constantly rallied his platoon and directing the men forward in small groups skillfully coordinated the attack. Quick to act when three of his men were pinned down in a shell hole he fearlessly disregarded all danger in an effort to bring up another machine gun but fell under the enemy's blasting fire before he had completed his valiant attempt. His unfaltering courage and outstanding initiative inspired his men to complete the mission successfully and reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Trout and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.