The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles K. Hokenson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 752d Tank Battalion, in action on 26 and 27 September 1944, near Sambucco, Italy. Captain Hokenson commanded his tank company in support of an infantry attack on the town of Sambucco. When his tanks were forced to halt because of unfavorable terrain, Captain Hokenson dismounted from his vehicle under intense machine gun, sniper and small arms fire to make a foot reconnaissance which enabled his force to continue its advance. Reaching the edge of the town, Captain Hokenson was joined by another officer and together they led an assault which neutralized enemy strongpoints and inflicted heavy casualties among the Germans. Captain Hokenson then led his company over exposed, fire-swept terrain and joined the infantry in attacking a hill. Locating two enemy machine gun nests, Captain Hokenson directed his tanks in an assault to destroy the guns and kill the crews. He provided covering fire with his tank to pin down the enemy, which enabled the infantry to outflank a company of Germans and capture seventy-five prisoners. When the tanks became halted by enemy fire the following morning, Captain Hokenson, standing erect in the turret of his tank, rallied his tank crews and inspired them to follow him. Encountering three self-propelled guns, Captain Hokenson’s tank destroyed one of the guns, to enable his company to continue its advance. Reaching the objective, he deployed his tanks in defensive positions until the infantry arrived to secure the objective. Captain Hokenson’s heroic leadership inspired his men and reflects great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.