GO 19. SECTION III, AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL

CHARLES F. HAYDEN, 35663076, Private, 508th Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action on 1-2 October 1944 near ***, HOLLAND. Private HAYDEN, a machine gunner, Company “D', manned his machine gun and an ATRL, alternately in defense of his company position in the battalion sector of the regimental MLR. When two German medium tanks broke through the battalion position Private HAYDEN, with one other man, maneuvered through heavy machine gun fire to a position from which they attacked and knocked out both tanks. Private HAYDEN returned to his original position and continued to fire his machine gun into German infantry which had been moving forward under cover of this armor. His brave and exemplary act contributed greatly to the security of his company defensive position. Entered military service from INDIANA.