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) Charlie E. Linkous (ASN: 0-467860), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 20, 24, and 26 January 1945, and on 5 February 1945. During an infantry and tank attack on San Manuel on 20 January, Second Lieutenant Linkous voluntarily ran forward to direct the fire of the tanks. In the face of heavy return fire he ordered all his men to take cover. Then, completely exposed and unprotected, he stood erect on the top of one of the tanks, coolly and skillfully directing the fire until the mission was successfully completed. Four days later he voluntarily moved forward alone under cover of darkness, far in advance of friendly lines, to rescue wounded who had been heard calling for aid. After bringing in one man on his back, he returned with an enlisted an and reconnoitered the are for forty-five minutes to make sure no other casualties remained. On 26 January, under fire from four Japanese machine guns, he crossed thirty yards of exposed ground, to rescue a wounded soldier. On 5 February he voluntarily moved forward to take command of a road block at Makanewea which was being attacked by enemy tanks and by foot soldiers armed with grenades. Under point-blank 47-mm. gun and machine gun fire from a tank, and constantly exposed to hand grenades, he moved calmly among his men, encouraging them and directing their fire. While thus maintaining the road block, he was hit and killed by grenade fragments. First Lieutenant Linkous’ brilliant leadership, he bravery under fire in repeatedly giving to the aid of wounded soldiers, his devotion to duty and his gallantry in assuming tasks above and beyond the province of his normal duties wee an inspiration to his men and a major factor in their victories. First Lieutenant Linkous’ 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 and the United States Army.