The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Wilbur Pence (ASN: 0-10283), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility with Headquarters, 442d Regimental Combat Team, from 1 February 1943 to 17 November 1944. Confronted with the task of molding a Japanese American combat team whose personnel was under public doubt, Colonel Pence, by wise, efficient and inspiring leadership, placed on the battlefields of Italy and France an organization which proved in conflict to be one of the best units in the American Army. By this success, the result of his untiring efforts and rare judgment, he contributed not only to national unity by allaying unfounded suspicion, but also helped offset the enemy’s racial propaganda. His wise leadership and exceptional service are in accordance with the United States Army’s finest traditions.