The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles R. Mattis (ASN: 0-1296554), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with as a platoon leader with the 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 10 to 14 February 1944. When First Lieutenant Mattis’s platoon was struck in a surprise attack by the enemy, he remained constantly exposed to the heavy fire while organizing and encouraging his men. Leading a fierce resistance to the numerically superior enemy he stoutly defended a hill strong point for five torturing days of concentrated artillery, mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire. First Lieutenant Mattis’ aggressive leadership and magnificent courage inspired his men to bravely repulse the repeated enemy assaults. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Mattis, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles R. Mattis (ASN: 0-1296554), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 October 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Mattis was assigned the mission of leading his platoon in destroying an enemy strongpoint which threatened the battalion supply and communication lines. The platoon was advancing toward its objective when the enemy directed a heavy artillery and mortar barrage on the area. Fearlessly exposing himself to direct his men to covered positions, First Lieutenant Mattis waited until the barrage was lifted before again leading his men toward the hostile strong point. Almost immediately the attackers contacted a strong enemy force on their left flak and were subjected to heavy small arms fire from their right rear. Aware of the necessity for moving his platoon to a more advantageous position, First Lieutenant Mattis selflessly braved the hostile fire to cover the withdrawal of his men. While protecting his platoon’s movement, he was killed by direct small arms fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Mattis, 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.