Charles J. Mishler

For gallantry in action against the enemy at *****,*****, on 20 April 1945. Sergeant Mishler was a platoon sergeant supporting a rifle company advancing against a rocky ridge overlooking an area of cleared ground. The leading elements of the rifle company were pinned to the ground by intense enemy fire. Sergeant Mishler was contacted by the rifle company commander and without hesitation proceeded on foot to guide a self-propelled mount through an open field known to contain mines, toward the enemy fire. Still on foot and fully exposing himself to enemy fire, he guided the mount into firing position, and designated and adjusted the fire of the 105mm howitzer on the emplacement. The howitzer destroyed three enemy machine guns and enabled the riflemen to advance around the flank of the strong point and secure their objective. Complete destruction at a later date of this enemy strong point disclosed that it contained approximately 15 machine guns, three 47mm antitank guns, one 13mm dual-purpose gun, mortars, and an estimated garrison of 300 to 500 enemy soldiers.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles J. Mishler, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces on 8 July 1944. Technical Sergeant Mishler’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, his unit, and the United States Army.