Charlie (also Charles) W. Presly was the son of John and Savannah Presly. He entered the service from Alabama. He was killed in Action. He was initially buried at Pietramala Cemetery at Mount Beni, Italy and reburied at the Florence American Cemetery, Via Cassia, Italy, Plot F, Row 8, Grave 12.

The Chattanooga Times, June 22, 1945
Sgt. Charles W. Presly of Chattanooga has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously for heroic achievement in action. He served in Italy on the Fifth Army front in the 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th “Custer” Division. During the attack and subsequent breakthrough of an enemy fortified line, Presly, leader of a mortar squad, displayed aggressive leadership which contributed to the successful operation of the company. On one occasion when his outfit was counter-attacked by a large enemy force he directed his mortar to be fired at 75 yards in order to beat off the enemy attacks. The citation read, “His thorough reconnaissance of mortar positions and his effective fire on the enemy materially aided the success of his company.” His mother, Mrs. Savannah G. Presly, lives at 1610 Jefferson Street, Chattanooga.

  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Date of death: 19 February 1945
  • County: Hamilton
  • Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
  • Division/Assignment: 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division
  • Theater: Europe
  • Conflict: World War II
  • Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Florence American Cemetery, Via Cassia, Italy
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XII, Top Panel
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