The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Major Charles L. McGaha, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty on 7 February 1945, while serving with Company G, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action at Lupao, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Sergeant Major McGaha’s platoon and one other from Company G were pinned down in a roadside ditch by heavy fire from five Japanese tanks supported by ten machineguns and a platoon of riflemen. When one of his men fell wounded 40 yards away, he unhesitatingly crossed the road under a hail of bullets and moved the man 75 yards to safety. Although he had suffered a deep arm wound, he returned to his post. Finding the platoon leader seriously wounded, he assumed command and rallied his men. Once more he braved the enemy fire to go to the aid of a litter party removing another wounded soldier. A shell exploded in their midst, wounding him in the shoulder and killing two of the party. He picked up the remaining man, carried him to cover, and then moved out in front deliberately to draw the enemy fire while the American forces, thus protected, withdrew to safety. When the last man had gained the new position, he rejoined his command and there collapsed from loss of blood and exhaustion. Master Sergeant McGaha set an example of courage and leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.