Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Kohl Farabaugh (ASN: 0-62695), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Farabaugh distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Haduch’on, Korea, on 17 July 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Farabaugh led a combat patrol deep into enemy-held territory for the purpose of locating and probing hostile troops. The patrol was surprised by a numerically superior enemy force and a fierce fire-fight ensued. During the battle, Lieutenant Farabaugh observed an element of the enemy force moving slowly to the left of the patrol’s position in a flanking maneuver. After carefully estimating the situation, Lieutenant Farabaugh ordered the patrol to withdraw. He then moved from his protective cover through the intense enemy fire to a position from which he could cover the threatened flank. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Farabaugh laid down such a withering hail of fire that the hostile forces were repelled. While he was covering the withdrawal of his patrol through the cleared sector, lieutenant Farabaugh was mortally wounded. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Farabaugh on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received