The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Charles Licata (ASN: 33429983), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 December 1944, in Belgium. Technician Fourth Grade Licata was a member of an observation party accompanying a patrol which was suddenly pinned down by a hail of enemy fire. Despite added mortar fire, the party remained steadfast to cover the withdrawal of the patrol. Technician Fourth Grade Licata, fearing that his radio would fall into enemy hands, carried it with him and aided a wounded member of his party back to friendly lines. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fourth Grade Licata, 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.