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 Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Charles W. McCartney (ASN: 35762030), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Luxembourg, on 11 January 1945. On that date, the advance of Sergeant McCartney’s company through the Gehey-Loch Woods near Norhum, Luxembourg, was halted by intense machine-gun fire. Sergeant McCartney boldly advanced alone against the enemy emplacement, scored a direct hit with a hand grenade, rushed the position and killed the defenders with automatic rifle fire. He was hit in the shoulder during the action but refused to be evacuated, and while his wound was being dressed he calmly cleaned his gun in preparation for further action. He continued in action and destroyed two more enemy machine-gun nests. The fearless determination of Staff Sergeant McCartney and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.