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 W. Parker (ASN: 34824032), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 16 April 1945 near Perbach, Germany. When his patrol was ambushed by a strong enemy force, Private Parker remained in his vehicle and operated its machine gun, despite the fact that he was exposed to the fire of six enemy machine guns. When his gun was put out of action by enemy fire, Private Parker attempted to back it out of the ambush picking up men as he went. When enemy fire destroyed the vehicle, he went to the rear still under fire to bring reinforcements. He returned with tanks, directing their fire from on top of one enabling his comrades to withdraw safely.