The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Charles D. Speaks (ASN: 20509508), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 8 February 1945. When the advance of a rifle company was halted by intense enemy artillery, mortar and rocket fire, Sergeant Speaks, a medical aid man, gave first aid treatment to 10 wounded comrades, crawling from one to another amid the bursting shells and flying fragments. As it proved inadvisable to bring litters forward, he placed one of the more seriously wounded on his shoulders, ran from cover to cover, crawled across a street under heavy enemy machine gun fire, and delivered the casualty to the waiting litter squads. After encouraging others to follow his example, Sergeant Speaks carried four more patients to safety in this manner. 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.