The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles Alkire (ASN: 0-1284980), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. On 10 July 1950, near Chonui, Korea, Captain Alkire displayed gallantry in action while commanding Company D. Companies A and D were in defensive positions. They were subjected to intense fire from small arms, mortars and artillery as well as infantry and armored attack by overwhelming numbers of the enemy. There were no weapons in the Company capable of destroying the enemy tanks. However, as a result of Captain Alkire’s gallant example, his men remained in their positions, in spite of direct attack by four tanks which were from fifty to three hundred yards distant. By personally directing the fire efforts of his command, Captain Alkire caused heavy casualties to the enemy. After his Company had been seriously depleted, he was ordered to withdraw. Passing the order to his men, he personally directed the withdrawal and did not leave the position until every other man had escaped to safety. During the withdrawal, he constantly moved about the position in the face of extremely heavy fire. Due to his gallant and resourceful leadership, his company’s mission was accomplished and it was able to again enter combat with the enemy the next day.