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 Private Charles B. Merritt (ASN: 170273), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 345th Tank Battalion, Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cheppy, France, 26 September 1918. While he was directing a column of tanks through a mine field, assisted by another soldier, his companion was wounded, but he continued with his work until all tanks had safely passed through. Returning, Private Merritt assisted his wounded comrade to safety, after which he carried messages through an intense bombardment of artillery and machine guns.