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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Thomas Holladay, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Minturno, Italy, on 11 May 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Holladay led his platoon in an assault to capture a hill from a fiercely resisting enemy. Shortly after crossing the line of departure, he and several of his men were hit by shell fragments. His helmet was knocked from his head and his sub-machinegun was shattered. Undaunted, he immediately seized a rifle and continued to lead his platoon through heavy mortar and artillery concentrations towards his objective. While organizing his men in a draw near the base of the hill, he received additional wounds during a heavy mortar barrage. Although losing strength rapidly, he continued to lead his men toward the crest of the hill. A machinegun to the front opened fire and pinned his platoon to the ground. He and three men moved forward under deadly fire and knocked out the enemy weapon with rifle fire, grenades, and bayonets. Picking up one of his men wounded in the engagement, he carried him to a safety location and administered first aid. With only eight men, he continued the attack through a mine field and barbed wire barriers swept by machine gun and rifle fire. Deciding that it would be impossible to advance further, he ordered his men to dig in at a point 75 yards below the crest. The following day he was evacuated because of his wounds. His heroic example of courage and dauntless leadership served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his unit. Second Lieutenant Holladay’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 and the United States Army.