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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Charles Harrison Corlett (ASN: 0-3746), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division from 5 September 1942 to 21 February 1944, and as Commanding General of the Southern Landing Force in the assault on Kwajalein Atoll from 31 January to 5 February 1944. As Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division, General Corlett effectively supervised and directed the training of that division for combat. Committed to the important task of directing the assault against Kwajalein Atoll, he displayed brilliant leadership, outstanding professional ability and exercised sound tactical judgment in commanding his troops. He personally directed the operation against the enemy position on Kwajalein Atoll and his indomitable courage was a constant inspiration to his men, who assaulted this enemy stronghold. This resulted in the capture of the island and the complete annihilation of all enemy forces thereon.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Signal Corps)

    Division:

    Office of the Chief Signal Corps Officer

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 62 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Signal Corps) Charles Harrison Corlett, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Deputy to the Chief Signal Officer of the Line of Communications, Lieutenant Colonel Corlett displayed marked ability for organization and administration in the establishment of important Signal Corps undertakings, laying the foundation of the Signal corps work in the American Expeditionary Forces. Later, as Director of Supplies in the Office of the Chief Signal Corps Officer, he performed exacting duties with unusual ability, solving with sound judgment perplexing problems, enabling a steady flow of signal supplies to be maintained to the troops in the field.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    19th Corps

    Action Date:

    1944
    War Department, General Orders No. 68 (1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Charles H. Corlett (ASN: 0-3746), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the XIX Corps, during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Corlett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    7th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Central Pacific Area, General Orders No. 124 (May 2, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Charles Harrison Corlett (ASN: 0-3746), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division on Kwajalein Island on 4 February 1944. When informed that certain elements of his command had been temporarily halted in their advance, General Corlett proceeded to the vicinity of the front lines in a tank. Although the area was under enemy observation and fire he dismounted and moved among his men to ascertain the situation personally. As a result of his prompt decision to push home the assault of his troops all enemy resistance on the island was quickly overcome. General Corlett’s instant control of the situation, his courage, and fearlessness were an inspiration to his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major General Corlett, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    Task Force Kiska

    Action Date:

    1942 – 1943

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Charles Harrison Corlett (ASN: 0-3746), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Task Force KISKA, in Alaska, in 1942 – 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Corlett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.