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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Alexander Fitzgerald, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Fitzgerald distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tongmang-ni, Korea, on 25 April 1951. On that date, Company I’s positions were attacked and overrun by an overwhelmingly large enemy force. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lieutenant Fitzgerald voluntarily exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire in order to shout encouragement to the small group of men around him. Quickly organizing the men into rifle squads, he deployed them in a skirmish line and then personally led them in a counterattack against the hostile elements, successfully recapturing the vital equipment which had been left behind when the positions were overrun. Throughout this entire action, he remained in an exposed position, effectively directing the fire of his men. When the company was finally ordered to withdraw to new defensive positions, Lieutenant Fitzgerald personally assured himself that the wounded and dead were evacuated. The courage, indomitable fortitude, and inspiring leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Fitzgerald reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received