Distinguished Service Cross, “Charlie A. McCord”, 397th Inf, 100th Inf Div

Distinguished Service Cross, slot brooch, unnumbered, machine-engraved “Charlie A./McCord”. With a printed color graphic on heavy cardstock with the full citation and an illustration of a DSC (approximately 8.5×12 inches).

PFC McCord received the DSC posthumously for actions on 17 April 1945, near Altbach, Germany: “When grazing crossfire from two hostile machine gun emplacements halted the advance of his company, PFC McCord, a scout, advanced, upon his own initiative, to within grenade range of the first automatic weapon. After hurling grenades into the position, he charged it with his bayonet, killing one occupant and forcing the others to flee. Alternately firing and rushing forward, he then moved forward toward the second machine gun position and ultimately succeeded in silencing it. He was mortally wounded in the action.. Thus with great gallantry and at the cost of his life, PFC McCord inflicted severe losses upon the enemy and made possible the success of his company’s mission without further casualty to his comrades.” McCord was assigned to Company C, 397th Infantry, 100th Infantry Division (Sons of Bitche). He was from Prattville, Alabama. The 100th Infantry Division awarded only 9 DSCs during World War II.