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 Staff Sergeant Charles Harrison Sans (ASN: 39096596), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 515th Bombardment Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 June 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The B-17 on which Sergeant Sans was serving was attacked by a force of enemy airplanes. During the attack, he was wounded six times. One gun was knocked out, and the airplane was forced out of formation. At this time the enemy fighters concentrated their attacks on the line airplane, and despite the severity of his wounds and pain, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Sans heroically continued to fire his one good gun, and aided in driving off the enemy. It was necessary to carry Sergeant Sans from his position, and only then was it found that his electrical equipment had been shorted, his oxygen hose cut in two, and that he was nearly frozen. The extraordinary heroism, kill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Sans on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.