Major General, U.S. Army. U.S. Military Academy Class of 1936. Served in World War II and Korea.
Charles Billingslea was born on 16 May 1914 in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles and Mabel Billingslea.
Billingslea graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with the Class of 1936 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the U.S. Army.
From 1936 to 1941, Billingslea served in various assignments in the United States and Hawaii. In 1942, Major (temporary) Billingslea served with II Corps at Allied Forces Headquarters in the United Kingdom. He then served for a short time at Headquarters U.S. Army Air Forces. During 1943 and early 1944, Lieutenant Colonel (temporary) Billingslea had a number of short assignments that included: 1st British Parachute Brigade; 5th Army in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; as Executive Officer of Pathfinder Parachute Brigade in Sicily and Italy; and as the Executive Officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom and Italy. As a paratrooper during this period, he took part in assault landings with American Forces at Algiers and joined a British unit in airborne operations in Tunisia. His units made jumps into Sicily and Salerno and were involved in fighting at Naples, Volturno, Cassino and Anzio and later in operations in the Netherlands.
From 22 August 1944 to 7 May 1945, he was Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom, Central Europe and Berlin. During this command, Lieutenant Colonel Billingslea's heroic actions on 2-3 October 1944 earned him the Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. On 2 February 1945, now-Colonel (temporary) Billingslea's actions against enemy forces again earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.
He then served as Chief of Staff, 82nd Airborne Division until 1946. After reverting to the permanent rank of Captain, his next assignment was with Planning Staff, Army Field Force at Fort Monroe, VA, until 1949. He was assigned to the staff and faculty, Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, from 1949-1951 and then assigned to the Operations Research Office in Korea and Washington, DC, in 1951-52, with the temporary rank of Colonel. From 1953 to 1956, (now with the permanent rank of Colonel) he was Chief of Plans, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris, France. He then served as Deputy Chief European Region in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (OSD/ISA) in Washington, DC. During the years 1961-62, Billingslea served as Deputy Chief of Staff, 8th US Army in Korea and was then assigned to Headquarters, 2nd Division at Fort Bragg, NC.
Major General Billingslea served as Commanding General, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA, from 1962-64. In late September of 1962, he was ordered to mobilize Army units and federalized Mississippi National Guardsmen in Oxford, MS, as efforts were made to enforce desegregation at the University of Mississippi and enroll James H. Meredith as a student. In May 1963, he was sent to Birmingham AL, where troops were stationed as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led five weeks of demonstrations to end segregation.
His final assignment before retirement was Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, VA.
MG Billingslea retired from active service in 1966 due to a disability.
Education
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from the USMA, Billingslea graduated from the Army War College (1953); the National War College (1958); and the Advanced Management Program, Harvard University (1957).
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Service Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge with 4 Stars (Combat Jumps)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (1st of 2 Awards)
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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 - 3 October 1944, in the vicinity of Katerbosch, Holland. Through fearless and skillful leadership, Colonel Billingslea inspired victory for his regiment in a battle for objectives two miles beyond the forward lines near Mook. Leading troops who were tired after five days of incessant attack, he pushed the enemy back in a twenty-four hour assault. He launched the attack before dawn and under cover of fog which lifted without warning in mid-morning and exposed his forces to intense artillery fire. Key officers and men became casualties, but Colonel Billingslea moved among the disorganized company, restored command and assumed the initiative in the face of determined resistance from numerous German strongpoints in Katerbosch. He personally directed the house-to-house reduction of the enemy. His presence in this critical zone inspired officers and men to emulate his conduct in a fight for the town which lasted all day and through the night. In this valiant and successful assault on Katerbosch, Colonel Billingslea defeated powerful German efforts to break through Mook and sever the Allied corridor in the Motherland. His inspiring leadership, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 19 (March 14, 1945)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (2nd of 2 Awards)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 February 1945, in Germany. Colonel Billingslea fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire to direct his command's assault against Siegfried Line fortifications. When elements of his regiment were pinned to the ground by fierce crossfire, he advanced to the area and personally directed his command in thwarting the hostile thrust. During a second vicious counterattack, he proceeded to his reserve battalion, directed the commitment of his reserves and repulsed the counter-attack. By his display of conspicuous courage and selfless devotion to duty, Colonel Billingslea was instrumental in saving a vital position and insuring the continued success of his regiment. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 72 (1945)
Honors
Major General Charles Billingslea has Honoree Record 308974 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Death and Burial
Major General Charles Billingslea died of pneumonia on 14 March 1989 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was 74 years old and lived in Oxford, MD.
Charles Billingslea was born on 16 May 1914 in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles and Mabel Billingslea.
Billingslea graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with the Class of 1936 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the U.S. Army.
From 1936 to 1941, Billingslea served in various assignments in the United States and Hawaii. In 1942, Major (temporary) Billingslea served with II Corps at Allied Forces Headquarters in the United Kingdom. He then served for a short time at Headquarters U.S. Army Air Forces. During 1943 and early 1944, Lieutenant Colonel (temporary) Billingslea had a number of short assignments that included: 1st British Parachute Brigade; 5th Army in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; as Executive Officer of Pathfinder Parachute Brigade in Sicily and Italy; and as the Executive Officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom and Italy. As a paratrooper during this period, he took part in assault landings with American Forces at Algiers and joined a British unit in airborne operations in Tunisia. His units made jumps into Sicily and Salerno and were involved in fighting at Naples, Volturno, Cassino and Anzio and later in operations in the Netherlands.
From 22 August 1944 to 7 May 1945, he was Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom, Central Europe and Berlin. During this command, Lieutenant Colonel Billingslea's heroic actions on 2-3 October 1944 earned him the Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. On 2 February 1945, now-Colonel (temporary) Billingslea's actions against enemy forces again earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.
He then served as Chief of Staff, 82nd Airborne Division until 1946. After reverting to the permanent rank of Captain, his next assignment was with Planning Staff, Army Field Force at Fort Monroe, VA, until 1949. He was assigned to the staff and faculty, Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, from 1949-1951 and then assigned to the Operations Research Office in Korea and Washington, DC, in 1951-52, with the temporary rank of Colonel. From 1953 to 1956, (now with the permanent rank of Colonel) he was Chief of Plans, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris, France. He then served as Deputy Chief European Region in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (OSD/ISA) in Washington, DC. During the years 1961-62, Billingslea served as Deputy Chief of Staff, 8th US Army in Korea and was then assigned to Headquarters, 2nd Division at Fort Bragg, NC.
Major General Billingslea served as Commanding General, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA, from 1962-64. In late September of 1962, he was ordered to mobilize Army units and federalized Mississippi National Guardsmen in Oxford, MS, as efforts were made to enforce desegregation at the University of Mississippi and enroll James H. Meredith as a student. In May 1963, he was sent to Birmingham AL, where troops were stationed as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led five weeks of demonstrations to end segregation.
His final assignment before retirement was Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, VA.
MG Billingslea retired from active service in 1966 due to a disability.
Education
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from the USMA, Billingslea graduated from the Army War College (1953); the National War College (1958); and the Advanced Management Program, Harvard University (1957).
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Service Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge with 4 Stars (Combat Jumps)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (1st of 2 Awards)
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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 - 3 October 1944, in the vicinity of Katerbosch, Holland. Through fearless and skillful leadership, Colonel Billingslea inspired victory for his regiment in a battle for objectives two miles beyond the forward lines near Mook. Leading troops who were tired after five days of incessant attack, he pushed the enemy back in a twenty-four hour assault. He launched the attack before dawn and under cover of fog which lifted without warning in mid-morning and exposed his forces to intense artillery fire. Key officers and men became casualties, but Colonel Billingslea moved among the disorganized company, restored command and assumed the initiative in the face of determined resistance from numerous German strongpoints in Katerbosch. He personally directed the house-to-house reduction of the enemy. His presence in this critical zone inspired officers and men to emulate his conduct in a fight for the town which lasted all day and through the night. In this valiant and successful assault on Katerbosch, Colonel Billingslea defeated powerful German efforts to break through Mook and sever the Allied corridor in the Motherland. His inspiring leadership, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 19 (March 14, 1945)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (2nd of 2 Awards)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 February 1945, in Germany. Colonel Billingslea fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire to direct his command's assault against Siegfried Line fortifications. When elements of his regiment were pinned to the ground by fierce crossfire, he advanced to the area and personally directed his command in thwarting the hostile thrust. During a second vicious counterattack, he proceeded to his reserve battalion, directed the commitment of his reserves and repulsed the counter-attack. By his display of conspicuous courage and selfless devotion to duty, Colonel Billingslea was instrumental in saving a vital position and insuring the continued success of his regiment. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 72 (1945)
Honors
Major General Charles Billingslea has Honoree Record 308974 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Death and Burial
Major General Charles Billingslea died of pneumonia on 14 March 1989 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was 74 years old and lived in Oxford, MD.
Major General, U.S. Army. U.S. Military Academy Class of 1936. Served in World War II and Korea.
Charles Billingslea was born on 16 May 1914 in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles and Mabel Billingslea.
Billingslea graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with the Class of 1936 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the U.S. Army.
From 1936 to 1941, Billingslea served in various assignments in the United States and Hawaii. In 1942, Major (temporary) Billingslea served with II Corps at Allied Forces Headquarters in the United Kingdom. He then served for a short time at Headquarters U.S. Army Air Forces. During 1943 and early 1944, Lieutenant Colonel (temporary) Billingslea had a number of short assignments that included: 1st British Parachute Brigade; 5th Army in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; as Executive Officer of Pathfinder Parachute Brigade in Sicily and Italy; and as the Executive Officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom and Italy. As a paratrooper during this period, he took part in assault landings with American Forces at Algiers and joined a British unit in airborne operations in Tunisia. His units made jumps into Sicily and Salerno and were involved in fighting at Naples, Volturno, Cassino and Anzio and later in operations in the Netherlands.
From 22 August 1944 to 7 May 1945, he was Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom, Central Europe and Berlin. During this command, Lieutenant Colonel Billingslea's heroic actions on 2-3 October 1944 earned him the Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. On 2 February 1945, now-Colonel (temporary) Billingslea's actions against enemy forces again earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.
He then served as Chief of Staff, 82nd Airborne Division until 1946. After reverting to the permanent rank of Captain, his next assignment was with Planning Staff, Army Field Force at Fort Monroe, VA, until 1949. He was assigned to the staff and faculty, Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, from 1949-1951 and then assigned to the Operations Research Office in Korea and Washington, DC, in 1951-52, with the temporary rank of Colonel. From 1953 to 1956, (now with the permanent rank of Colonel) he was Chief of Plans, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris, France. He then served as Deputy Chief European Region in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (OSD/ISA) in Washington, DC. During the years 1961-62, Billingslea served as Deputy Chief of Staff, 8th US Army in Korea and was then assigned to Headquarters, 2nd Division at Fort Bragg, NC.
Major General Billingslea served as Commanding General, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA, from 1962-64. In late September of 1962, he was ordered to mobilize Army units and federalized Mississippi National Guardsmen in Oxford, MS, as efforts were made to enforce desegregation at the University of Mississippi and enroll James H. Meredith as a student. In May 1963, he was sent to Birmingham AL, where troops were stationed as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led five weeks of demonstrations to end segregation.
His final assignment before retirement was Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, VA.
MG Billingslea retired from active service in 1966 due to a disability.
Education
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from the USMA, Billingslea graduated from the Army War College (1953); the National War College (1958); and the Advanced Management Program, Harvard University (1957).
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Service Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge with 4 Stars (Combat Jumps)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (1st of 2 Awards)
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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 - 3 October 1944, in the vicinity of Katerbosch, Holland. Through fearless and skillful leadership, Colonel Billingslea inspired victory for his regiment in a battle for objectives two miles beyond the forward lines near Mook. Leading troops who were tired after five days of incessant attack, he pushed the enemy back in a twenty-four hour assault. He launched the attack before dawn and under cover of fog which lifted without warning in mid-morning and exposed his forces to intense artillery fire. Key officers and men became casualties, but Colonel Billingslea moved among the disorganized company, restored command and assumed the initiative in the face of determined resistance from numerous German strongpoints in Katerbosch. He personally directed the house-to-house reduction of the enemy. His presence in this critical zone inspired officers and men to emulate his conduct in a fight for the town which lasted all day and through the night. In this valiant and successful assault on Katerbosch, Colonel Billingslea defeated powerful German efforts to break through Mook and sever the Allied corridor in the Motherland. His inspiring leadership, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 19 (March 14, 1945)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (2nd of 2 Awards)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 February 1945, in Germany. Colonel Billingslea fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire to direct his command's assault against Siegfried Line fortifications. When elements of his regiment were pinned to the ground by fierce crossfire, he advanced to the area and personally directed his command in thwarting the hostile thrust. During a second vicious counterattack, he proceeded to his reserve battalion, directed the commitment of his reserves and repulsed the counter-attack. By his display of conspicuous courage and selfless devotion to duty, Colonel Billingslea was instrumental in saving a vital position and insuring the continued success of his regiment. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 72 (1945)
Honors
Major General Charles Billingslea has Honoree Record 308974 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Death and Burial
Major General Charles Billingslea died of pneumonia on 14 March 1989 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was 74 years old and lived in Oxford, MD.
Charles Billingslea was born on 16 May 1914 in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles and Mabel Billingslea.
Billingslea graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with the Class of 1936 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the U.S. Army.
From 1936 to 1941, Billingslea served in various assignments in the United States and Hawaii. In 1942, Major (temporary) Billingslea served with II Corps at Allied Forces Headquarters in the United Kingdom. He then served for a short time at Headquarters U.S. Army Air Forces. During 1943 and early 1944, Lieutenant Colonel (temporary) Billingslea had a number of short assignments that included: 1st British Parachute Brigade; 5th Army in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; as Executive Officer of Pathfinder Parachute Brigade in Sicily and Italy; and as the Executive Officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom and Italy. As a paratrooper during this period, he took part in assault landings with American Forces at Algiers and joined a British unit in airborne operations in Tunisia. His units made jumps into Sicily and Salerno and were involved in fighting at Naples, Volturno, Cassino and Anzio and later in operations in the Netherlands.
From 22 August 1944 to 7 May 1945, he was Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the United Kingdom, Central Europe and Berlin. During this command, Lieutenant Colonel Billingslea's heroic actions on 2-3 October 1944 earned him the Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. On 2 February 1945, now-Colonel (temporary) Billingslea's actions against enemy forces again earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.
He then served as Chief of Staff, 82nd Airborne Division until 1946. After reverting to the permanent rank of Captain, his next assignment was with Planning Staff, Army Field Force at Fort Monroe, VA, until 1949. He was assigned to the staff and faculty, Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, from 1949-1951 and then assigned to the Operations Research Office in Korea and Washington, DC, in 1951-52, with the temporary rank of Colonel. From 1953 to 1956, (now with the permanent rank of Colonel) he was Chief of Plans, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris, France. He then served as Deputy Chief European Region in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (OSD/ISA) in Washington, DC. During the years 1961-62, Billingslea served as Deputy Chief of Staff, 8th US Army in Korea and was then assigned to Headquarters, 2nd Division at Fort Bragg, NC.
Major General Billingslea served as Commanding General, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA, from 1962-64. In late September of 1962, he was ordered to mobilize Army units and federalized Mississippi National Guardsmen in Oxford, MS, as efforts were made to enforce desegregation at the University of Mississippi and enroll James H. Meredith as a student. In May 1963, he was sent to Birmingham AL, where troops were stationed as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led five weeks of demonstrations to end segregation.
His final assignment before retirement was Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, VA.
MG Billingslea retired from active service in 1966 due to a disability.
Education
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from the USMA, Billingslea graduated from the Army War College (1953); the National War College (1958); and the Advanced Management Program, Harvard University (1957).
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Service Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge with 4 Stars (Combat Jumps)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (1st of 2 Awards)
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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 - 3 October 1944, in the vicinity of Katerbosch, Holland. Through fearless and skillful leadership, Colonel Billingslea inspired victory for his regiment in a battle for objectives two miles beyond the forward lines near Mook. Leading troops who were tired after five days of incessant attack, he pushed the enemy back in a twenty-four hour assault. He launched the attack before dawn and under cover of fog which lifted without warning in mid-morning and exposed his forces to intense artillery fire. Key officers and men became casualties, but Colonel Billingslea moved among the disorganized company, restored command and assumed the initiative in the face of determined resistance from numerous German strongpoints in Katerbosch. He personally directed the house-to-house reduction of the enemy. His presence in this critical zone inspired officers and men to emulate his conduct in a fight for the town which lasted all day and through the night. In this valiant and successful assault on Katerbosch, Colonel Billingslea defeated powerful German efforts to break through Mook and sever the Allied corridor in the Motherland. His inspiring leadership, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 19 (March 14, 1945)
Distinguished Service Cross Citation (2nd of 2 Awards)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Billingslea (ASN: 0-20367), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 February 1945, in Germany. Colonel Billingslea fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire to direct his command's assault against Siegfried Line fortifications. When elements of his regiment were pinned to the ground by fierce crossfire, he advanced to the area and personally directed his command in thwarting the hostile thrust. During a second vicious counterattack, he proceeded to his reserve battalion, directed the commitment of his reserves and repulsed the counter-attack. By his display of conspicuous courage and selfless devotion to duty, Colonel Billingslea was instrumental in saving a vital position and insuring the continued success of his regiment. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 72 (1945)
Honors
Major General Charles Billingslea has Honoree Record 308974 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Death and Burial
Major General Charles Billingslea died of pneumonia on 14 March 1989 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was 74 years old and lived in Oxford, MD.
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