The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles R. Dryden, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 12 June 1944, in Normandy, France. Lieutenant Dryden assumed command of his company which his commanding officer was seriously wounded. He transformed his unit, which had been demoralized by heavy machine gun and 88-mm. gun fire into an effective fighting group. Time after time he endured great risk to insure the well-being of the men or to effect the success of the mission. By his forceful leadership, aggressiveness and cool determination, First Lieutenant Dryden has reflected great credit upon himself and the Military Service of the United States.