The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Charles B. Christensen (ASN: 0-553257), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 22 January 1945 near Marienthal, France. Lieutenant Christensen was acting as Forward Observer for Cannon Company, 242d Infantry, when the enemy began to shell the house used by him as an observation post, disrupting communications. Checking the lines under heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, he found them to be beyond repair. Ordering his party to cover the withdrawal of the Company to which he was attached, Lieutenant Christensen repeatedly exposed himself to hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire to delay the advance of the enemy across a nearby bridge. Forced to withdraw by the heavy concentration of enemy fire, he evacuated three wounded men of the Rifle company and, crawling through the snow, led his men to the 3rd Battalion Command Post. The courageous leadership, daring initiative, and unfailing devotion to duty of Lieutenant Christensen reflect distinct credit upon himself and the armed services of the United States.