The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles K. Qualls (ASN: 0-1289137), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 26 December 1944, at ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Qualls demonstrated great courage and gallantry in action when he voluntarily led a reconnaissance patrol and located important enemy positions in a strongly held town. He insisted that he be the first to enter buildings occupied by enemy snipers. In house after house he hunted the enemy in each room with bursts offire from his sub-machine gun. At the doorway of one building he was fired upon but moved in, sprayed the room, and killed three of the enemy. In the next house as he searched one room, a comrade was sounded in the hall. First Lieutenant Qualls, disregarding his own personal safety, went to the aid of the fallen man, but was met by enemy fire directly to his front. He opened fire with his weapon and killed two of them before he himself was killed. First Lieutenant Qualls throughout this action displayed courage and gallantry in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.