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 J. Palmeri (ASN: 42096601), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 8 April 1945, near Buchold, Germany. In the initial burst of enemy fire during the attack by his company on Buchold, a member of the leading element was wounded. Private Palmeri, leader of an automatic rifle team, left cover, braved the intense enemy fire and carried the wounded man to safety. Volunteering to accompany a tank destroyer, Private Palmeri and his automatic rifleman then left cover to protect maneuvering elements of their platoon. Observing a medical aid man fall wounded, he again left the cover of the tank destroyer and returned with the wounded man. By his outstanding courage and disregard for his own safety, Private Palmeri saved two fellow soldiers from possible death or capture.