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 Charles W. Nelson (ASN: 34013088), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Nelson, leader of a machine gun section, distinguished himself while his Regiment was engaged in breaching the Siegfried Line. His section was attached to an assault company for direct support when it was subjected to heavy enemy fire that caused the loss of half the men, but Staff Sergeant Nelson still managed to get both guns and sufficient ammunition into the line for the successful accomplishment of his mission. During the day’s fighting Staff Sergeant Nelson was painfully wounded in the shoulder but refused to be evacuated until his mission was accomplished. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Nelson, 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.