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Charles Mc Cullough enlisted in June 1942 and trained at Camp Lee, Virginia, Camp Pickett, Virginia and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. He was sent overseas in May 1944.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously twice. The citation of the first medal cited: For gallantry in action on 13 January 1945, in Belgium. During an attack on the enemy, Sgt Mc Cullough assumed command of his platoon when his platoon leader became a casualty. Deploying his men, Sgt Mc Cullough then continued the attack, despite heavy machine gun and artillery fire. Although a bullet passed through his helmet, Sgt Mc Cullough advanced in front of his men and so inspired them that they quickly overran the enemy position. Sgt Mc Cullough personally captured four of the enemy and killed several others. Due to his heroic actions, an adjacent company, which was pinned down by the enemy fire, was able to continue its advance.

As a result of this action, his regimental commander, Col Branner P. Purdue recommended Sgt Mc Cullough for a battlefield appointment to 2nd Lieutenant on 20 February 1945.

The citation of the second medal cited: For gallantry in action on 24 February 1945, in Germany, Sgt Mc Cullough led a patrol to silence enemy fire which was being placed on the company. As they approached an enemy machine gun, Sgt Mc Cullough and his men were pinned down by the heavy fire which was so concentrated that four of the patrol members were wounded. In an effort to get his men to move forward, Sgt Mc Cullough rose to his feet and, advancing toward the enemy, he fired on them with his rifle. The enemy answered with a burst of fire which killed him. Sgt Mc Cullough's heroic self-sacrifice will be a lasing inspiration to his comrades.