Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of a Rifle Company of the Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, during a mechanized attack by enemy Japanese forces against the position occupied by that Battalion at the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 23 October 1942. When a hostile tank broke through the right flank and headed straight in his direction, Private First Class Champagne, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, calmly remained in his fox-hole until the approaching tank crept abreast of him, then stood up and placed a grenade in the track, thus putting it out of action. His alert presence of mind and gallant initiative contributed materially to the decisive victory of our forces against the Japanese attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

General Orders: SPOT AWARD, (November 9, 1942).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Received with four bronze campaign stars.