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 Private First Class Charlie Alexander McCord (ASN: 34802854), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Altbach, Germany, on 17 April 1945. When grazing fire from two hostile machine gun emplacements halted the advance of his company, Private First Class McCord, a scout, advanced, upon his own initiative, to within grenade range of the first automatic weapon. After hurling grenades into the position, he charged it with his bayonet, killing one occupant and forcing the others to flee. Alternately firing and rushing forward, he then moved forward toward the second machine gun position and ultimately succeeded in silencing it. He was mortally wounded in the action. Thus with great gallantry and at the cost of his life, Private First Class McCord inflicted severe losses upon the enemy and made possible the success of his company’s mission without further casualty to his comrades. Private First Class McCord’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, the 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.