Charles Joseph Hastings
Captain, U.S. Army

World War II

In July 1943, then-First Lieutenant Charles Joseph Hastings was serving with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the South Pacific Area, during World War II.

From 24 - 29 July, 1LT Hastings’ unit was in action against Japanese forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. 1LT Hastings’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism during that time earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Korean War

In Korea, now-Captain Hastings was a member of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter in South Korea on 1 September 1950.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal (Japan)
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (Second Award)

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Joseph Hastings (ASN: 0-423262), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 24 to 29 July 1943, at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. First Lieutenant Hastings' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 453 (November 30, 1943)

Burial

Captain Charles Joseph Hastings is buried at the Camp Lewis Cemetery in Fort Lewis, Pierce County, WA, in Section 4, Site 26-B.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=22999925