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 First Class Charles Melvin Bamford (ASN: RA-20199383), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Battery D, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 7th Infantry Division, in action near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, during the period 29 and 30 November 1950. On 29 November, when the unit was attacked by a numerically superior force, Sergeant First Class Bamford, who was then battery Mess Sergeant, lost his kitchen due to the enemy action. He then voluntarily assumed the task of assisting in bringing wounded men from their positions to the aid station and assisted in making the wounded more comfortable after they had been treated. In doing so, Sergeant Bamford exposed himself to intense enemy automatic weapons, mortar, and small arms fire on many occasions. On 30 November, while aiding wounded men, Sergeant Bamford was himself wounded by enemy fire. Immediately after receiving first aid, he resumed his task of bringing in and caring for other wounded men, again exposing himself to the hazards of the heavy enemy fire. As a result of his repeated disregard for his own personal safety in going to the assistance of others he was wounded twice by enemy fire. Again, despite his three wounds, Sergeant First Class Bamford voluntarily continued to assist and care for other disabled men until 2 December 1950 he was reported as Missing in Action. His outstanding heroism helped save the lives of many men, lightened the heavy burden of the medical personnel and inspired his comrades. Sergeant First Class Bamford’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.