The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Charles D. Tanner (ASN: 14042739), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 2d Armored Division in France. On 30 July 1944, at *****, France, Sergeant Tanner was ordered with two other tanks under command of a platoon leader, to the northern edge of town to support he Infantry, being attacked by a large force of Germany infantry. The tanks took positions to give fire support to the right and left of the road. An enemy gun pulled into position to fire on the tanks at point-blank range. By this time the enemy infantry had broken through and were harassing the tank destroyers and tanks with bazooka guns and grenades. The infantry and tank destroyers then proceeded to withdraw south into the center of town. The tanks were ordered to return to the center of town by a covered route to take up new positions there. On his own initiative, Sergeant Tanner ordered his tank crew to back the tank onto the road and engaged the enemy gun. This action effectively covered the withdrawal for the other tanks, tank destroyers and Infantry half-tracks, which were being backed out behind his tank. Sergeant Tanner continued to engage the enemy gun and infantry until his tank was struck by an 88-mm. shell and set on fire. Although mortally wounded, Sergeant Tanner remained in command of his tank and ordered the crew to abandon the tank and continue the withdrawal dismounted.