Charles Spitznagel

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Spitznagel, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-de-Rappes, France, October 21, 1918. Corporal Spitznagel displayed utter disregard for his personal safety in the attack on the Rappe, when his gunner was severely wounded and his leader killed. He then fired the gun himself, until he was seriously wounded, when he refused to be evacuated, but remained with his crew, encouraging them and directing their fire until relieved two hours later.