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 (Air Corps) Charles Manuel Townsend (ASN: 0-495880), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the Far East Air Forces at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 4 November 1944. When a surprise enemy attack in the early morning killed and wounded a large number of personnel, Captain Townsend, other officers and an enlisted man immediately left their fox holes and aided in treating the injured and directing their evacuation, despite bombs falling all around them. With no thought of their own safety they carried on their rescue work, acting at times as stretcher bearers. The gallantry displayed by these officers and enlisted man were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.