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 (Infantry) Charles S. Holtz (ASN: 0-535230), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hellefeld, Germany, on 11 April 1945. When the rifle companies were without sufficient leaders due to heavy casualties and hesitant to continue the advance, Lieutenant Holtz, a leader of a heavy automatic weapons platoon, volunteered to lead the rifle troops in an assault on the heavily defended town. Despite a withering curtain of small arms and mortar fire and the enemy advantage of numerical superiority and position, Lieutenant Holtz fiercely pressed the attack until the objective was taken. In the action, Lieutenant Holtz was seriously wounded but refused medical attention until the enemy was completely routed and security established. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.