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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles F. Conner (ASN: 0-1324148), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lajaille, France, on 6 November 1944. First Lieutenant Conner led his rifle platoon in an attack on a heavily fortified, densely wooded enemy hill position. After an hour of fierce fighting, the platoon successfully gained a protective ledge fifty yards from its objective. The battle raged fiercely with the enemy holding desperately to their positions on top of the hill. First Lieutenant Conner realized his platoon could not possibly hold their precautious position under the terrific mortar, machine gun, grenade and rifle fire unless the hilltop positions were wrested from enemy hands immediately. In the face of almost certain death, First Lieutenant Conner charged forward past his lead scout into the enemy positions, firing his carbine as he moved. Gaining the cover of the ledge, he succeeded in killing several enemy riflemen and a two-man machine gun crew. Then, as he reached a point a few yards from the enemy’s hilltop position, he was mortally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Lieutenant Conner inspired his men to continue the attack with renewed efforts, quickly overrunning the enemy and gaining their objective. His outstanding courage and heroic sacrifice reflect the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.