Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class]

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 15, 1945

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 166 (June 24, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Charles M. Beneke (ASN: 37490542), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 January 1945, in Belgium. Staff Sergeant Beneke and a group of comrades gallantly exposed themselves to withering enemy fire to capture a strongly defended building. Although he was in grave danger of drawing enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Beneke fired several bursts from his automatic rifle and knocked out a machine gun, thereby permitting the advance of his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Beneke, 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.