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 Major of Cavalry Charles M. M. Chanoine, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with French Tank Corps, Army of France, near Maizerais, France, 12 September 1918. While Major Chanoine’s group was advancing to attack with the 1st Brigade of American Tanks his leading tank became stalled, and this officer left his post of command and went forward to direct its repair. While he was so engaged the enemy opened fire, and one shell struck the disabled tank, killing and wounding 15 men and knocking Major Chanoine unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness Major Chanoine refused to be carried to the rear but continued his work under fire until it was possible for the tanks to continue their advance, when he led his group forward on foot for a distance of 8 kilometers, remaining on duty throughout the engagement.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
ForeignRank:
Major of CavalryDivision:
French Tank CorpsAction Date:
September 26, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1920)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Major of Cavalry Charles M. M. Chanoine, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with French Tank Corps, Army of France, near Cheppy, France, 26 September 1918. Upon learning that his brigade commander had been wounded, Major Chanoine advanced on foot under heavy fire from all arms and reconnoitered a passage for his tanks over difficult terrain one kilometer to the front. He then led his tanks in a successful attack on the town of Cheppy.