The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles W. Pauley (ASN: 35576665), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Tank Destroyer Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 17 December 1944, in Luxembourg. Sergeant Pauley as Gun Commander of a Tank Destroyer deliberately overran enemy positions with his destroyer to assist in breaking up the attack and in the face of direct intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, anti-tank, bazooka, and mortar fire on two occasions removed and replaced the .50 caliber ammunition box on the gun mounted on his destroyer. He burned his hands in removing the box, but replaced it, and without first aid continued his firing. The second time it was hit he was wounded, but disregarding his own personal safety, he successfully covered the withdrawal of his destroyer from the enemy and saved the lives of his crew as well as his destroyer. The personal bravery, cool courage, determination, and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Pauley are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.