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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Joseph Hastings (ASN: 0-423262), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Munda Airfield on New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from 24 to 29 July 1943. During four days of a bitter, determined offensive which finally wrenched from the Japanese a strategically essential hill in the advance towards Munda Airfield, his drive, leadership and unconquerable courage stimulated the fighting spirit of his men and kept their aggressiveness intact during the long, hard-fought battle. Spearheading every attack against more than seventy well-camouflaged machine gun nests, pillboxes and rifle pits which blanketed the hill, Lieutenant Hastings kept his forward command post within twenty yards of enemy positions. He constantly attracted the attention of the enemy and dodged their fire as he moved along the lines directing and coordinating the difficult operations. When the central portion of the hill had been seized, the enemy made a night counterattack and Lieutenant Hastings was wounded. He remained in command until morning and directed a successful defense which repulsed the Japanese attack. First Lieutenant Hastings’ 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 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.