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 Captain (Infantry) Charles Alvin Wirt (ASN: 0-25725), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company G, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 24 March 1945. After taking the town of Geisbach, Germany, on the night of 24 March 1945, Captain Wirt’s company was counterattacked by a numerically superior enemy force, supplemented by three self-propelled weapons and a heavy tank, and was forced to fall back. Captain Wirt reorganized his men, personally silenced a self-propelled gun with accurate rifle-grenade fire and then, realizing the odds against them were too great, ordered his men into basements and called for an artillery barrage on the area. Strengthened by reinforcements he boldly led his men in a counterattack, driving the enemy from the town and inflicting heavy casualties. Captain Wirt’s heroic leadership and courageous actions exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.