Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

2nd Bat., 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army (2nd Bat., 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division)

Citation:
Lieutenant Colonel Charles J. Timmes, O-264 330, Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel, 82nd Airborne Division, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 3 July 1944, near Le Haye du Puit, France. Leading his battalion through a gap in enemy lines during the hours of darkness, Lieutenant Colonel Timmes occupied the forward slope of a hill held by an enemy battalion and supported by 88mm guns and 150mm mortars. At daylight the enemy, discovering Lieutenant Colonel Timmes' battalion immediately attacked on the flank. During the ensuing engagement, this courageous officer constantly reformed his lines and personally led a counter-attack which repulsed an enemy breakthrough. Shortly hereafter, enemy artillery began laying direct fire on the battalion's positions. Rapidly mounting casualties caused the men to become panicky but Lieutenant Colonel Timmes fearlessly visited every forward foxhole and encouraged each man. This heroic leadership performed under intense artillery, mortar and small arms fire so inspired all his men that they successfully held their positions. Lieutenant Colonel Timmes' actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.