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 Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Charles Conway Keele (ASN: 0-910420), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 532d Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment, 2d Engineer Special Brigade (Separate), in action against enemy forces near Nassau Bay, New Guinea, on 2 July 1943. After the initial landing of American forces on Nassau Bay, medical supplies were urgently needed. Despite the probability of enemy attack, Second Lieutenant Keele, in command of a small craft, proceeded in broad daylight to effect the delivery. Before the trip was half completed, enemy aircraft attacked the boat. Although wounded five times, Second Lieutenant Keele refused to allow the crew to turn back to the nearest hospital, and insisted that the vessel continue. The supplies were delivered, in spite of the rough seas. More than ten hours elapsed before he could reach a hospital, and he died of his wounds five days later. In placing the completion of his mission ahead of his own welfare, Second Lieutenant Keele showed the true quality of a soldier. Second Lieutenant Keele’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.