The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Charles Cantrell, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the Japanese forces at Usingan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 1 February 1945. Colonel Cantrell, without regard for his own personal safety, on his own initiative, and beyond his normal line of duty, exposed himself to intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire while successfully evacuating a wounded man who had lain in a ditch for over one half hour without medical treatment. Colonel Cantrell further exposed himself to enemy fire in order to direct accurate and effective artillery fire on the enemy positions. Through his gallant actions and coolness under fire, Lieutenant Colonel Cantrell was an inspiration to all who observed him.