The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Charles O. Albright (ASN: 35188657), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Ball Turret Gunner of a B-176 Heavy Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Europe, 31 December 1943. During a vicious assault by enemy fighters, a 20-mm. cannon shell hit the Ball Turret, seriously wounding Sergeant Albright and rendering his guns inoperative. After being helped out of his turret, Sergeant Albright made his way to the radio compartment and immediately manned the gun of the wounded radio operator. Though suffering severe pain, he continued to fight off repeated attacks on this position. When the attacks ceased, he assisted the engineer in repairing the radio transmitter and then skillfully sent out distress signals. The gallantry, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Albright were an inspiration to all flying with him and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.