Charles M. Solley, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles M. Solley, Jr., Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 May 1945, along the Montibo River, Mindanao, Philippine Islands. During an attack against a well defended enemy position, two men of the leading squad were seriously wounded by heavy machine gun fire which made any further advance impossible. Realizing the hazardous position of the group. Private Solley, Company I, 186th Infantry Regiment, an automatic rifleman of the second squad, moved forward along the face of a sheer cliff and, with utter disregard for his personal safety, single-handedly attacked a machine gun position, killing the five man crew. Then, continuing his advance, he killed two Japanese riflemen who were firing on the unprotected lead squad. Although he was painfully wounded, he courageously resumed his assault, destroying a two man machine gun crew. By his inspiring bravery, Private Solley killed nine enemy soldiers, destroyed two dangerous machine gun positions, and saved the lives of a number of his comrades. His intrepid actions, 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 41st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.