The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Charles E. Benner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 1 August 1943. Private Benner aggressively exposed himself to enemy fire so that he could locate and fire into hostile emplacements with such accuracy that he single-handedly wiped out one Japanese machine gun crew of five, and caused another to withdraw. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.