Charles A. Burch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles A. Burch (0-535062), Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 53d Armored Engineer Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Lieutenant Burch advanced more than 300 yards across open terrain to remove enemy mines that were holding up the advance of his platoon. In carrying out this mission he came under direct fire from artillery, mortars and small arms. His decisive action, carried out without consideration for his own safety, enabled his task force to advance and obtain their objective. His action reflects great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.