Charles Ball’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to

Charles Ball

Private, U.S. Army

for service as set forth in the following

Citation:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 31st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces on 24 January 1942, in the vicinity of Abucay Hacienda, Bataan, Philippine Islands. Wounded while his company was occupying an exposed front line position under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, Private Ball refused to be evacuated to the rear, but dressed his own wound and maintained the fire of his automatic rifle, thereby assisting materially in repulsing several strong enemy attacks on his position. When his company was ordered to withdraw, this gallant soldier remained in position, effectively covering the withdrawal of his platoon by fire from his weapon. Private Ball’s 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 Philippine Scouts, and the United States Army.