The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles C. Gniot, Jr. (ASN: 0-1302965), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 10th Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on or about 27 December 1944. During the advance of the 4th Armored Division on Bastogne, Belgium, Lieutenant Gniot’s company was given the mission of assaulting the town of Chaumont. After a fierce fight the town was seized but was immediately subjected to a counterattack by overwhelming enemy forces. When it became necessary to withdraw to positions on the outskirts of town, Lieutenant Gniot bravely remained behind to protect the withdrawal and held his voluntary position in the face of withering fire until he was killed in action. First Lieutenant Gniot’s heroism and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.