Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Carl Kelley Giles, Jr. (ASN: 0-1286113), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. When the landing craft containing First Lieutenant Giles and his assault section was hit by enemy fire, it quickly sank. First Lieutenant Giles remained in the water, constantly under fierce machine gun and unceasing artillery fire, until he had directed and aided his entire section through to the beach. While on the beach he observed three severely wounded soldiers lying near the water’s edge slowly being covered by the rising tide. Without a moment’s hesitation, he left his position of cover and moved across the exposed beach and carried the stricken men to safety. When he found out that all of the officers in the company had become casualties, he quickly assumed command, reorganized the company and led them through a mine field under fierce enemy machine gun and sniper fire up the cliffside to outflank the enemy pillbox. He personally took part in the assault that destroyed this enemy strongpoint. The disregard for personal safety and leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Giles in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.