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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Oliver Farnum, Jr. (ASN: 0-397343), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 20 October 1944, near Bruyeres, France. When Lieutenant Farnum learned that a carrying party from his company had been ambushed by a strong force of enemy riflemen, he immediately summoned reinforcements to come to the aid of his ambushed troops. Without waiting for the reinforcements to arrive, Lieutenant Farnum hurried to the area and began working his way toward the enemy forces in a desperate effort to draw the enemy fire away from his carrying party. Determined to save his men, even at the expense of his life, Lieutenant Farnum continued to advance toward the enemy position until he was cut down by a hail of hostile fire. As a result of his daring, the carrying party was able to escape and the rescuing party which he had summoned was enabled to surround and destroy the enemy force. His actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.