Charles Jackson Rayfield

Technical Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

AWARD OF SILVER STAR MEDAL.
By direction of the President, under the provisions of AR 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, the Silver Star Medal is awarded to:

Sergeant Charles J. Rayfield, 38682384, (then Private First Class), Infantry, Company K, 311th Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 30 January 1945 near Hoppenbroich, Germany. When the second platoon and the machine gun section attached were delayed by accurate and intense fire from seven enemy machine guns, Sergeant Rayfield advanced with the gunner, and after killing one machine gun crew, he and his companion took over the enemy gun. From this advantageous and newly-won position, and with his ammunition being expended, he fired the enemy gun and threw enemy grenades into hostile positions until they were completely silenced. Ten of the enemy were captured. His courageous action enabled the platoon to capture its objective without further delay or losses from casualties. The initiative, skill and extreme devotion to duty shown by this soldier are in accordance with the highest military traditions.
Entered the military service from Texas.