The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles C. Branum (ASN: 6912384), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against an enemy as a member of the Far East Air Force, in action in the Philippine Islands on 20 January 1942. Detailed as chief of a gun crew at Agloloma Point, the gun had fired only a few rounds when it was hit by enemy machine gun fire, which killed one and seriously wounded two of his men. Sergeant Branum carried the most seriously wounded soldier to safety and then returned to bring the other wounded man out while under constant enemy fire. His heroic actions were an inspiration to his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Branum, 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 Air Forces.