The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Skira, Jr. (ASN: 33391633), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, *** Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 July 1944, in ****, France. In the course of an enemy counter-attack one of the machine gunners of Staff Sergeant Skira’s platoon was killed and the intensity of the attack threatened to disorganize the whole platoon. With audacious disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Skira moved forward, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades at the enemy. He fought his way to the machine gun position and brought the attack to a standstill by laying down a heavy concentration of fire against the enemy. Staff Sergeant Skira’s undaunted determination and conspicuous courage reflect great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service.