Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company B, 3rd Armored Amphibian Battalion, Amphibian Tractor Group, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Navy (Company B, 3rd Armored Amphibian Battalion, Amphibian Tractor Group, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Navy)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles L. Wise (548980), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a machine-gunner of an Armored Amphibian of Company B, Third Armored Amphibian Battalion (Provisional), amphibian Tractor Group, Fleet Marine Force, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Although sustaining a severe leg wound by an enemy shell which struck his vehicle during the initial assault, he stood on one foot and continued to fire his weapon until the vehicle reached shore and he was forcibly removed from his gun. His superb courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private Wise and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 03050 (SofN Signed January 28, 1948).