The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade Charles R. Hilliard (ASN: 35117833), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 136th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When the truck which he was driving near Orioung Pass on 13 June 1945 encountered an enemy road block and was taken under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, Corporal Hilliard stopped his vehicle, leaped out, and while fully exposed to the enemy, sprayed the foe’s position with a sub-machine gun, greatly reducing the hostile fire. Although hit in the shoulder by a Japanese bullet, and knocked to the ground, he jumped up and continued firing until again hit and killed. Corporal Hilliard’s courageous action in diverting the enemy fire to himself at the sacrifice of his own life, enabled his companions to reach safety and return the Japanese fire. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.