The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles T. Oliver (ASN: 33186776), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 17 March 1944. With fearless tenacity, Private First Class Oliver successfully defended his front-line pillbox position against repeated and determined Japanese assaults. Four men manned the strongpoint when the enemy launched the first pre-dawn attack. They fought valiantly; eventually repulsing the hostile force. Private First Class Oliver volunteered to hold the position while two occupants evacuated the third, who had been badly wounded. Alone he laid down such devastating automatic rifle fire that the second attack was broken after he succeeded in killing several Japanese, driving the others to cover. At dawn, when relief arrived, Private First Class Oliver was still in possession of the pillbox. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Oliver, 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.