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 Charles B. Wilkins (ASN: 39319537), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 13 June 1944, about one half mile from Baupte, France. When the enemy counter-attacked to recover a motor pool which had been captured by Company E four hours earlier, Private Wilkins, a rifleman, on his own initiative and without orders organized a group of leaderless men and led them with aggressiveness and courage through heavy fire from a light tank accompanying the German infantrymen and forced them to withdraw. His prompt action prevented the enemy from re-capturing the motor pool and reflects great credit on himself and his organization. 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 and the United States Army.