The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charles Finley Mann (ASN: 0-716184), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 337th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action on 17 March 1945. Flying as Element Leader in a P-47 aircraft, Lieutenant Mann observed an enemy anti-tank gun position that was seriously hampering the progress of advancing ground troops. Flying low through an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire he executed a low-level rocket attack which silenced the enemy guns, and permitted our troops to advance unhindered. Although seriously wounded and his aircraft badly damaged, Lieutenant Mann then pursued an enemy aircraft engaged in strafing our troops, and succeeded in destroying the enemy plane. The outstanding aerial proficiency, courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mann reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.