The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Thomas Beall, Jr. (NSN: 0-158281), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy as Division Leader of carrier-based fighter planes during an attack on enemy shipping in the Miyako Shima area of Nansei Shoto on 1 March 1945. He led a dive bombing run on an enemy destroyer escort in the face of anti-aircraft fire and, despite violent evasive maneuvers by the ship, scored a direct hit with his bomb on its stern. The warship was left leaking badly and settling by the stern as the attack was terminated. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Fighting-Bombing squadron 17 (VBF-17)Division:
U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)Action Date:
February 16 – April 16, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Thomas Beall, Jr. (NSN: 0-158281), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy from 16 February to 16 April 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane he participated in twenty combat missions in the vicinity of Tokyon Mure, Southern Kyushu, the Nansei Shoto, and the Nanpo Shoto. During these flights he performed his assigned duties with courage and determination which were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.