The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Charles W. Erhardt (ASN: 0-370677), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 29 April 1942 during a combined aerial and artillery bombardment at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. Without regard for his own safety, in a building which was registered on several times by enemy guns, Lieutenant Erhardt remained at his observation post to spot hostile positions, thus enabling American artillery to conduct efficient counterbattery fire.