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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles A. Brandt (ASN: 0-2055857), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Carano, Italy, on 23 May 1944. On the first day of the Allied attack from Anzio toward Rome, Lieutenant Brandt led his rifle platoon across a heavily sown minefield and within one-half hour captured his first objective, 1,500 yards from the line of departure. With hand grenades and a sub-machine gun, he personally killed or wounded a number of the enemy. Then, continuing past their lines, Lieutenant Brandt led his platoon in the capture of a battery of heavy mortars which had been holding up the advance of his battalion. Although painfully wounded, he continued to lead the platoon in the capture of it second objective. Not until he had assured himself that this newly-won victory was secured against any possible counterattack did he permit himself to be evacuated for treatment. Second Lieutenant Brandt’s extraordinary heroism and aggressive leadership, his personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.