Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 25 (May 31, 1943)
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 (Infantry), [then Major] Charles Joseph Denholm (ASN: 0-21293), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to May 1943. Ordered to seize a line of departure for a daylight attack by his battalion, Colonel Denholm led two companies forward through intense enemy artillery fire and successfully accomplished his mission. When his battalion commander was wounded in the subsequent attack, Colonel Denholm brilliantly led the battalion in its defeat of the enemy. His courage and keen tactical judgment inspired his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Denholm, 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.