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 Sergeant Charles E. Compton, Jr. (ASN: 14130845), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Communications Sergeant, Company G, 2d Battalion, 398th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 April 1945, in the vicinity of Heilbronn, Germany. When a cleverly concealed enemy machine gun opened fire on his platoon as it attempted to cross the Jagst River, Sergeant Compton seized an automatic rifle and with one blast destroyed the enemy weapon and killed three members of the crew. He then rescued four wounded men, carrying them boldly through fire-swept terrain, and rendered a hostile infantryman unconscious with a single blow of his helmet when the enemy soldier, approaching from the rear, called upon him to surrender. The unparalleled gallantry displayed by Sergeant Compton contributed materially to the success of the operation and upon two occasions prevented infliction of severe casualties upon our troops. Sergeant Compton’s 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 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.