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 Staff Sergeant Charles E. Harlow (ASN: 11027155), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 8 January 1945, at Ingolsheim, France. While leading a combat patrol into enemy territory, Sergeant Harlow observed a machine gun position located in the steeple of a church. Calling out to his men, he was pointing out the location of the machine gun to his comrades when the enemy concentrated deadly machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire upon him. Although mortally wounded, he ordered his men to withdraw from their precarious position and then covered their withdrawal with deadly automatic rifle fire. Through his gallant courage, Sergeant Harlow enabled his comrades to return to friendly lines without casualty.