Edward Charles Christl, Jr.868th Field Artillery  Battalion, 65th Infantry Division

868th Field Artillery Battalion [105mm]

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of  Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished  Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)  Edward Charles Christl, Jr. (ASN: 0-26591), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an  armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 868th Field Artillery Battalion, 65th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 May 1945, in Austria. During an attack on Eferding, Austria, our troops  met fierce resistance from German SS troops. Lieutenant Christl,  although an artillery forward observer, heroically volunteered to lead  an infantry squad into the bitterly defended town. With utter disregard  for his own safety, he exposed himself to intense hostile automatic weapons fire and led his men in the successful accomplishment of their  mission. Lieutenant Christl was killed in this action. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of  his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 65th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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