Charles E. Maynard

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles E. Maynard (35077013), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 19 February 1945, at Spicheren, France. During a fierce counterattack by three enemy companies, his platoon leader wounded, Staff Sergeant Maynard held the unit firmly in position. Upon the final withdrawal of the hostile forces, he, and a comrade, broke forth from the defensive position and charged after the enemy with submachine-guns firing, killing eight. Staff Sergeant Maynard’s vigorous prosecution of the successful operation was further evident in the 28 enemy dead which littered the platoon area.