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 Sergeant [then Private First Class] Charles G. Pierce (ASN: 36027338), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11- 12 February, 1945. Sergeant Pierce displayed outstanding courage when he and a companion doggedly tried three times to force their entrance into a tunnel in order to destroy a Japanese machine gun which was preventing our troops from entering a large enemy-held building. So firmly entrenched was the hostile machine gun that the two men were driven back each time by hostile fire before being ordered to discontinue the attempt because of darkness. The next day Sergeant Pierce made a fourth and successful attempt in a well executed flanking maneuver, although intense enemy fire made the mission particularly hazardous. 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.