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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Charles Joseph Denholm (ASN: 0-21293), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces. On ** July 1943 near ***, Sicily, his battalion having been overrun by tanks, Lieutenant Colonel Denholm ordered them to withdraw. Remaining behind with two other officers and two enlisted men, he manhandled three antitank guns into positions and manned one of them himself. Although seriously wounded twice, he remained at the gun firing until one tank had been knocked out and another stopped. Only when the remaining tanks were almost on top of his position did Lieutenant Colonel Denholm and his party withdraw to the rear. The personal bravery and courageous leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Denholm reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.