Charles E. Wheeler
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 20 September 1943, Private First Class Charles E. Wheeler was serving with the 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Wheeler’s unit was in action against German forces as the Fifth Army began its attack northwest towards Naples, Italy, as part of the Invasion of Italy. PFC Wheeler’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day 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
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

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 Private First Class Charles E. Wheeler (ASN: 36319618), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in September 1943. Private First Class Wheeler'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 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 110 (1943)

Burial

Private First Class Charles E. Wheeler is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot E, Row 10, Grave 16.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56315728/charles-e-wheeler