Charles Ashland Via, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles Ashland Via, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), 8th Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 8 October 1943, against enemy targets near Bremen, Germany in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Via on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.