Charles R. Powers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Powers (401644), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during the Battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 18 to 26 November 1943, as body guard and escort for the Regimental Catholic Chaplain. Sergeant Powers courageously remained with the assault troops at the front lines throughout the entire engagement, exposing himself continuously to intense enemy rifle, machine gun, artillery and mortar fire while locating the wounded and in protecting and assisting the chaplain in conducting last rites and rendering aid and comfort to the wounded. On several occasions, he unhesitatingly proceeded beyond combat lines in a valiant attempt to locate the dead and injured, subsequently guiding and assisting stretcher bearers through dense jungle undergrowth and in the evacuation of casualties. On 25 November when the chaplain was attacked while evacuating a wounded Marine, Sergeant Powers destroyed the attackers. Sergeant Powers’ great personal valor and devotion to duty undoubtedly saved the lives of many men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.