Charles A. Baldari

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles A. Baldari, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 February 1945, in Germany. During the initial phase of the assault upon Biesdorf, Germany, First Sergeant Baldari alone successfully attacked three enemy pill boxes which were delaying the advance of his company. By his bold actions, he permitted his company to advance; captured fourteen prisoners. On the following day, he courageously crawled 150 yards forward of his company front line, under direct enemy fire, and evacuated a wounded comrade. He was largely instrumental in disrupting an enemy counterattack which threatened to encircle his company command post. First Sergeant Baldari’s 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 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.