DSC Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Carl J. Isley (ASN: 0-348085), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944 in France. Lieutenant Colonel Isley commanded a group of demolition teams for the removal of underwater obstacles. Landing with the initial assault wave, his unit was immediately met with heavy enemy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Isley promptly reorganized his teams and though exposed to the direct enemy fire he personally supervised the placing of demolition charges on obstacles. Undaunted by the fierce enemy fire and the large number of casualties which were inflicted, Lieutenant Colonel Isley tenaciously carried on his mission of clearing a gap in the obstacles. The personal bravery, determination and aggressive leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Isley reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.