The man is Charles Alden Black, a graduate of Stanford University's Class of 1940. Black was pursuing post-graduate studies at Harvard when World War II began, and left his studies to serve as a Naval Intelligence Officer. In combat in the Southwest Pacific in 1944 he earned the Silver Star.
His citation reads:
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Charles Alden Black, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On the night of 31 July 1944, in company with two Dutch scouts and one Javanese soldier, he was part of a scouting mission on Roemberpon Island, in western Geelvink Bay, with the purpose of securing information relative to enemy barge movement in the area. In cooperation with the natives, four Japanese soldiers were lured to the island. Upon observing the trap, all actively resisted. He immediately killed one and after a sharp skirmish he and his party captured two others. His interrogation of the prisoners obtained information which resulted directly in the destroying of six enemy barges within the next ten days. He showed aggressiveness and courage, and his leadership was outstanding. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
The lady in the photo became Black's wife in 1950 while he was still serving in the Navy. She is child actress Shirley Temple (Black). Even after his marriage to the famous "child star," Black completed his obligation to the Navy, serving in the Korea War as a Naval Intelligence Officer. It was a rare enduring marriage for Hollywood - the two remaining in love until Charles Black's death in 2005.
