(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private First Class Charles Edward Hooker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Weitesheim, France, on 16 March 1945. Private First Class Hooker was given the task of leading two comrades back to a company halted in an open field by low, grazing crossfire from four enemy machine guns. Private Hooker, with hand grenades and a sub-machine gun, assaulted the enemy position and silenced both machine guns and killed nine Germans. After contacting the company, he led a successful attack on the other two enemy gun positions. Private First Class Hooker’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 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.