The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Charles C. Winston, III (AFSN: FR-77244), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Viet Tri, North Vietnam, on 1 August 1967. On that date, Captain Winston led two unarmed and unescorted RF-101 aircraft on a vitally important photo reconnaissance mission against one of the most highly defended targets in North Vietnam. While on the target run, his aircraft sustained major battle damage as the result of a Surface-to-Air missile explosion. Despite this, he elected to continue his mission; however, his aircraft had been damaged so extensively that it became uncontrollable and crashed. Captain Winston is missing in action. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Winston has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1988 (November 11, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Charles C. Winston, III (AFSN: FR-77244), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam, on 28 June 1967. On that date, Captain Winston flew wing position in a flight of two unarmed and unescorted RF-101 aircraft against one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. He exhibited outstanding combat professionalism and courage by obtaining one hundred percent back-up coverage of all targets and then, after sustaining major battle damage with the loss of many major systems, brought the aircraft back to the home base and executed an uneventful barrier type landing. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Winston has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles C. Winston, III (AFSN: FR-77244), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-101 Pilot near Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 28 July 1967. On that date, Captain Winston led a flight of two unarmed and unescorted RF-101 photo reconnaissance aircraft against one of the most heavily defended target areas in North Vietnam. He demonstrated unprecedented bravery and airmanship by continuing on towards the target despite heavy fifty-seven and eighty-five millimeter flak and then leading his wingman back to home base after he had lost the use of his radio. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Winston reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.