The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles E. Kearns (ASN: 0-462339), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 100th Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy on 27 December 1944 at Turini, France. While his patrol was in the midst of an enemy mine field and receiving heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Kearns, though wounded, with great presence of mind directed the withdrawal of the platoon to a safe position, and pulled a wounded man to a safe position while enemy grenades were being thrown at him. Lieutenant Kearns, after posting a guard to protect the wounded man, walked over 1,000 yards and guided a rescue patrol to evacuate the casualty. Due to his gallant action and leadership all members of the patrol returned to their company CP. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.