Charles Dolejsi, Jr.
Staff Sergeant, U. S. Army
Silver Star
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 213 (June 10, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Dolejsi, Jr. (ASN: 38456379), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 December 1944, in Italy.
Sergeant Dolejsi was given the mission of leading a six-man combat patrol to determine enemy strength on a nearby ridge. During the reconnaissance a fierce fire fight developed, and the enemy attempted to move a machine gun and several riflemen to the patrol's left flank. Having secured the necessary information, Sergeant Dolejsi ordered his men to withdraw. However, the enemy flanking force presented a serious threat to a successful withdrawal, and Sergeant Dolejsi dashed through heavy small arms fire to a position from which he could deliver fire on the hostile group. Bravely exposing himself to the enemy fire, he threw a hand grenade which silenced the machine gun and then pinned down the riflemen with effective rifle fire. By his quick thinking and aggressiveness, Sergeant Dolejsi killed five Germans, wounded approximately six more, and enabled his men to complete their important mission.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.