Charles C. Gniot, Jr.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Charles C. Gniot, Jr. entered the U.S. Army on 10 November 1941 at Fort Sheridan, IL.

On 27 December 1944, First Lieutenant Charles C. Gniot, Jr. was serving with Company A, 10th Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, 1LT Gniot’s unit was in action against German forces at Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge, and Company A was given the mission of assaulting the town of Chaumont. Although the town was captured, the Germans launched a counterattack with overwhelming forces. As Company A withdrew to positions on the outskirts of Chaumont, 1LT Gniot remained behind to cover the troop's withdrawal. He maintained that position until he was Killed in Action. 1LT Gniot’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles C. Gniot (0-1302965), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 10th Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces during World War II. First Lieutenant Gniot'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 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 112 (1945)

Burial

First Lieutenant Charles C. Gniot, Jr. is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Canton de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg in Plot H, Row 10, Grave 65.

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