The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles R. Christian (ASN: 32947229), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 260th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Eferding, Austria, on 4 May 1945. Engaged in clearing an enemy-held town, Corporal Christian entered a barn and surprised an enemy rifleman. When the German, refusing to surrender, attempted to fire, Corporal Christian killed him with a BAR burst. From a neighboring house Corporal Christian saw a German machine-gunner aiming at an American. Shouting to distract the gunner’s attention, he quickly shot him, and the action caused three other Germans to surrender. He and two comrades then searched a large house commanding an intersection. Breaking into five rooms himself while the others covered him, his fearless assault completely demoralized the enemy, and forty SS troopers were captured. From a firing position in the building Corporal Christian then helped annihilate three truckloads of German reinforcements. His outstanding heroism and alertness reflect the greatest credit upon Corporal Christian and the military service.