(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private First Class Charles Eugene Wheeler (ASN: 36319618), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 20 September 1943. After a gunner and assistant gunner fell to German fire, Private First Class Wheeler, an ammunition bearer took charge of the gun. Already so exhausted from endless trips up the steep slope with heavy loads of ammunition under machine gun, mortar and artillery fire that he had fainted not long before the crew of his gun became casualties, Private First Class Wheeler struggled to the gun and manned it alone until he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Wheeler’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous 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 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.