The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class C. C. McEwan (ASN: 32657884), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 101st Airborne Division. On 21 December 1944 his company launched an attack designed to neutralize enemy mortar and artillery positions which dominated high ground on the company’s front. Private First Class McEwan, acting on his own initiative, displaced his machine gun forward into enemy territory in order to place effective fire on the only avenue of retreat for the enemy. By delivering a heavy volume of well-aimed fire, he prevented the enemy’s attempt to withdraw and unite with other enemy forces. The enemy repeatedly attempted to destroy the gun positions by using small arms and mortar fire and throwing hand grenades. Private First Class McEwan, however, remained in the exposed position and delivered extremely effective fire against the enemy until the area was cleared. His courageous performance of duty accounted for many enemy dead and prevented the enemy force from uniting with its main body of troops. His actions were in accordance with the military traditions of the United States.