The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles W. Bothwell (ASN: 0-375976), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 11 September 1944. Captain Bothwell, Commanding Officer, Company L, *** Infantry Regiment, led one of the first assault waves across the **** River as part of the 3d Battalion attack. After deploying his troops on the east bank of the river, Captain Bothwell returned to the west bank and directed the movement of other units of his company across the river, until he had established a strong foothold on the hostile shore. Throughout this operation, Captain Bothwell displayed complete disregard for personal safety in the face of heavy concentrations of enemy artillery and mortar fire, and direct fire from enemy machine guns. After securing the bridgehead, he led his company forward over 300 yards of open terrain and penetrated a strongly defended woods. He pressed on, captured a German command post, cleared the woods of the enemy, established a command post in the woods, then deployed his troops in a successful defense of the bridgehead. Captain Bothwell’s courage, initiative, sterling leadership and outstanding bravery made possible the securing of an important bridgehead, and reflect credit upon the individual character of this officer as a leader of men.