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 Charles S. Swimmer (ASN: 37775412), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Barat, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 June 1945. When Company F was pinned down and numerous casualties were inflicted by heavy enemy automatic weapons and rifle fire, Private Swimmer, a scout, sighted a machine gun and worked his way forward through thickets and broken ground to within 25 yards of its pillbox emplacement. Then, firing his automatic rifle from the hip with deadly accuracy, he charged across a clearing to within five yards of the pillbox, killing two Japanese manning the position and destroying the gun. Despite severe enemy rifle fire, he remained in the open, firing with devastating effect from a kneeling position, in order to cover the evacuation of the wounded. Forward, alone and exposed, he was killed, but by his outstanding heroism and dauntless determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, he successfully eliminated an enemy strongpoint, and his gallant self-sacrifice saved the lives of several of his comrades. Private First Class Swimmer’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 6th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.