The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles A. O’Brien (ASN: 17066951), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 4 November 1944, near ****, Holland. Corporal O’Brien, Assistant Demolitions Section Leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, demonstrated great initiative and high personal courage while on a patrol into enemy lines. He and a comrade had volunteered to explore the enemy position in search of missing members of a previous patrol. They crossed 150 yards of open water in an assault boat directly in front of known enemy positions and landed on the enemy side of the **** Canal, and completely searched the enemy’s territory. As a result of his cool, deliberate, and courageous participation in this particularly hazardous mission, the patrol was able to furnish on its return definite information as to the fate of the former patrol, as well as additional vital information of enemy positions and habits. Private First Class O’Brien’s display of dominant personal courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.