The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Charles Eugene Oglesby (ASN: 0-23244), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Zig Zag Pass, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 February 1945. On this day a regimental combat team launched an offensive directed at exceedingly strong enemy positions in Zig Zag Pass. The enemy had command of the entire area and could place mortar and artillery fire upon the advancing troops. Lieutenant Colonel Oglesby, battalion commander, was assigned the mission of securing a hill upon which the enemy was strongly entrenched. The hill had to be taken at any cost. Realizing how this situation would affect the morale of his troops, Lieutenant Colonel Oglesby personally led the attack in an endeavor to turn the left flank of the enemy. He constantly remained at the focal point of the attack and by his courageous leadership so inspired his men that they continued time after time to assault the enemy and beat back a strong counterattack. On the following morning he again personally led the attack and remained constantly in the vanguard, so skillfully directing and coordinating the advance that the objective was achieved. In accomplishing this mission Colonel Oglesby was seriously wounded and was evacuated, but the undaunted courage and brilliant leadership of this commander carried his troops through to a decisive victory. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Oglesby, 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.