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) Peter F. Charnetski (ASN: 0-2026937), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On the night of that date he was the leader of a platoon whose defensive positions, in the company perimeter, were the first to be overrun by the attack of a numerically superior enemy force. He constantly exposed himself to the intense hostile small arms, machine gun and mortar fire, with utter disregard for his own safety, in order to maintain the organization and control of his platoon. His inspiring leadership and fearless conduct under fire gave his men an example of courage that enabled them to repulse the fierce enemy attack. He then reestablished his line of defense, thus preventing the enemy from overrunning the entire battalion perimeter. When he was informed that two of his men were lying wounded outside of his perimeter, he again exposed himself to enemy fire in an attempt to save the wounded men. In this heroic action, he was killed by enemy fire. The gallantry and complete unselfishness of Lieutenant Charnetski in sacrificing himself to aid his fallen comrades reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.