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 First Class Charles Marion Solley, Jr. (ASN: 38512294), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces along the Montibo River, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 22 May 1945. During an attack against a well defended enemy position, two men of the leading squad were seriously wounded by heavy machine gun fire which made any further advance impossible. Realizing the hazardous position of the group. Private Solley, Company I, 186th Infantry Regiment, an automatic rifleman of the second squad, moved forward along the face of a sheer cliff and, with utter disregard for his personal safety, single-handedly attacked a machine gun position, killing the five man crew. Then, continuing his advance, he killed two Japanese riflemen who were firing on the unprotected lead squad. Although he was painfully wounded, he courageously resumed his assault, destroying a two man machine gun crew. By his inspiring bravery, Private Solley killed nine enemy soldiers, destroyed two dangerous machine gun positions, and saved the lives of a number of his comrades. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 41st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.