Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    242d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 9, 1945

    Headquarters, 42d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 153 (September 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Charles J. Leslie (ASN: 17015230), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 at Hatten, France. When a German attack led by seven Tiger Tanks overran the front line troops and approached the command post, Sergeant Leslie realized the need for quick action, organized a mine laying crew and mined the road leading to the building. Since a tape had to be laid to mark the field for friendly troops and the field was already under a heavy artillery concentration, Sergeant Leslie volunteered to mark it. Utterly disregarding his own safety in the face of direct enemy fire, Sergeant Leslie marked the field, and then although wounded while performing his mission, returned to his previous duties.