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 (Field Artillery) Charles Pelot Summerall, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 91st Armored Artillery Battalion, 1st Armored Division. While the combat command of which his battalion was a part was being forced back by a greatly superior enemy force, Colonel Summerall, with complete disregard for his own welfare remained forward with his artillery, personally directing its rearward displacement. During this time he was continuously subjected to heavy enemy tank, artillery, and machine gun fire, and was also attacked by enemy aircraft. His efficient and untiring efforts were instrumental in making possible the withdrawal of troops from this area. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Summerall, 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.