The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Charles A. MacDonald (ASN: 31302788), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1135th Engineer Combat Group, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 1 April 1945, in Germany. Technical Sergeant MacDonald was engaged in the mission of moving a Traxcavator from Wittlebuchen, Germany to Schlitz, Germany. As he approached Altenstadt, Germany, he noticed a large ration convoy stopped with all drivers in the roadside ditch, ostensibly pinned down by small arms fire. As he approached the column his own vehicle was brought under fire from an enemy machine gun to his left front. He immediately stopped the truck, directed its ring-mounted machine gun against the enemy and silenced the machine gun. He then advanced and took as prisoners the three man machine gun crew, one of whom was wounded. Continuing on past the ration column, Sergeant MacDonald found that the column could not proceed because of a burning gasoline truck blocking the center of the road. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he unloaded the Traxcavator and using it as a dozer, pushed the burning vehicle off the road. It was due to Sergeant MacDonald’s strong sense of duty and personal bravery that vitally needed supplies were able to continue moving forward. 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.