The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) [then Captain] Charles Thompson Horner, Jr. (ASN: 0-23530), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action east of Oran, Algeria, 10 November 1942. During the Oran offensive, two companies of the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, separated because of his own initiative, and with utter disregard of his personal safety, crossed an open field under heavy fire, reunited the two companies, and personally led them in an assault against a heavily-fortified enemy position. Major Horner’s action was a decided factor in the successful assault of that position, and his sound judgment and disregard of his personal safety were an inspiration to the officers and men of the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Horner, 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.