The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles E. Raezer (ASN: 0-1292232), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. Lieutenant Raezer, leading a combat patrol along a road to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy, was fired on by enemy small arms. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he moved forward across the road to withdraw his men to a more secure position, when he was hit by a burst of machine gun fire. His outstanding gallantry and leadership enabled the patrol to complete the mission and are in accord with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.