Charles R. Eastridge

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Eastridge (37740149), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, *** Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 December 1944, in the vicinity of Fraulautern, Germany. During a counterattack at Fraulautern, enemy troops emplaced a machine gun twenty-five yards from our bridgehead. To eliminate this close threat, Private First Class Eastridge advanced toward the German position, exposing himself fearlessly to machine gun and bazooka fire. Moving boldly within range of the German machine gun, Private First Class Eastridge fired rifle grenades which knocked out the enemy weapon. In this action Private First Class Eastridge was wounded, but he returned to the battle to further display his exceptional courage by repairing a vital communication line under fire. Private First Class Eastridge’s fortitude and devotion to duty reflect great credit on him and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.