The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Charles P. Porter (ASN: 0=885654), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from February through July 1943. When communications with his battalion’s forward observation post were severed by an enemy patrol, Lieutenant Porter organized and led a counter patrol against this enemy group. With remarkable initiative and aggressiveness, Lieutenant Porter successfully dove the enemy patrol away and reestablished communications. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.