The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Carl J. Cherney (ASN: 20649177), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 November 1942, at Buna, New Guinea. Sergeant Cherney led his company in an attack against the enemy positions. He advanced ahead of his men through heavy enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, encouraging them by his example. Staff Sergeant Cherney’s fiery leadership and forceful driving power was responsible in a large part for the success of these attacks. On several occasions he aided wounded men to withdraw from the field which was under enemy machinegun fire. Staff Sergeant Cherney was killed during this action. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.