The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles E. Maynard (ASN: 35077013), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 19 February 1945, at Spicheren, France. During a fierce counterattack by three enemy companies, his platoon leader wounded, Staff Sergeant Maynard held the unit firmly in position. Upon the final withdrawal of the hostile forces, he, and a comrade, broke forth from the defensive position and charged after the enemy with submachine-guns firing, killing eight. Staff Sergeant Maynard’s vigorous prosecution of the successful operation was further evident in the 28 enemy dead which littered the platoon area.