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 Carl W. Mathews (ASN: 38699374), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 February 1945 in Germany. On that date, near Biesdorf, Germany, heavy machine gun fire delayed a rifle company advance enabling enemy mortar and artillery fire to register on the position. Realizing that many casualties would result unless the machine gun was destroyed, Staff Sergeant Mathews led his platoon on a flanking movement which drew severe fire from the enemy. Disregarding his own personal safety, he led his men to positions from which they destroyed the machine gun and killed the supporting crew. The courage, leadership, and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Mathews were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.