Navy Federal Credit Union

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 (Air Defense Artillery) Charles T. Daily (ASN: OF-119101), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 February 1969. Captain Daily distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H lift ship, during a rescue mission of a reconnaissance patrol west of Dak To. Immediately upon arriving on station, he descended down over the trees and came to a hover above the area of contact. Disregarding heavy enemy fire, he lowered three ropes to the men below and remained on station until they were tied securely on. He then hovered up out of the trees and with no ground guidance, lowered the injured into a river bed a short distance away. He shielded the men from sporadic enemy fire with his own aircraft while they were helped up into the ship. Only after all were on board safely, did he start his ascent out of the enemy fire. Through his courage and sound judgment, Captain Daily was able to save the lives of three fellow soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Defense Artillery)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    February 26, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 2249 (May 10, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles T. Daily (ASN: OF-119101), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 February 1969. Captain Daily distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander and flight leader of four UH-1H lift ships during combat operations west of Dak To. A six-man reconnaissance team was in heavy contact with an enemy force, when it sustained two casualties and radioed for immediate evacuation. Captain Daily directed the fire of his supporting gunships and immediately began his descent into the difficult extraction site. Braving the intense enemy automatic weapons fire, he continued to hover into the heavy bamboo until the team was able to climb aboard. Later that afternoon, he responded to a distress call from another patrol in heavy contact with the enemy. He flew his aircraft to the new area of conflict, where he had to lower ropes and rescue straps in order to pull the injured up through the jungle canopy. Once again, Captain Daily withstood heavy enemy fire and directed his supporting gunships until the wounded were ready to be pulled out. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.