Charles A. Falk

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles A. Falk (RA19338089), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an observer for an 81-mm. mortar platoon attached to Company K, 3d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant First Class Falk distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kasan, Korea, on 28 November 1950. When a large enemy force assaulted the company’s positions, he immediately called for mortar fire from the platoon and began adjusting the fire on the waves of attacking forces. While directing the fire on the enemy, he was seriously wounded in the back by enemy mortar fire. Completely disregarding his wounds and the increasing intensity of enemy activity, he steadfastly refused to leave his position although he was repeatedly urged to withdraw to the aid station for medical attention. Although Sergeant Falk later ceased to call for adjustment of fire and was subsequently listed as missing in action, his gallant and intrepid action in remaining in position and adjusting fire despite his wounds enabled the mortar platoon to deliver devastating fire on the waves of assaulting enemy troops.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 330 (May 23, 1951).