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 F. Guilford (ASN: 0-387787), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 8 December 1944. Captain Guilford, Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, led his unit forward to expand a narrow bridgehead across the **** River. The enemy counterattacked with a spearhead of two tanks and ten half-track vehicles. Realizing that the open terrain offered no protection for his troops, Captain Guilford ordered his troops to withdraw 200 yards to a place affording them some cover. He then went forward, accompanied only by a radio operator, and established an observation post some 300 yards ahead of his unit’s most forward elements. He remained in this precarious position for about an hour while subjected to intense enemy fire, and adjusted artillery fire on the enemy force which succeeded in breaking up the counterattack. Captain Guilford then returned to his company and led his troops forward in a successful attack which attained the battalion objective. Captain Guilford’s initiative, tactical knowledge and personal bravery are in keeping with the military traditions of the United States.