Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Ranger Battalion

    Division:

    2d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    July 14, 1943

    Headquarters, 2d Armored Division, General Orders No. 58 (December 7, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles Merton Shunstrom (ASN: 0-452096), United States Army, for gallantry in action at Butera, Sicily. On 14 July 1943, Captain Shunstrom led his command, Company C, 1st Ranger Battalion, under the cover of darkness to the base of a mountain at the top of which rested his objective, the walled city of Butera (elevation 1,200 feet). Proceeding up the mountain his company came under intense machine gun and rifle fire. Captain Shunstrom bravely led his command in the attack, killing thirty and capturing ninety of the enemy, which allowed the remainder of his unit to advance and capture the city without opposition. By his outstanding ability, courage and devotion to duty, Captain Shunstrom contributed materially to the success of the operation.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Ranger Battalion

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 48 (September 19, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Charles Merton Shunstrom (ASN: 0-452096), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Ranger Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through August 1943. Captain Shunstrom, personally manning a 37-mm. anti-tank gun, fired it upon an advancing enemy tank at point-blank range and put the tank out of action. He then hastily recruited a gun crew, moved the gun to a new position, and succeeded in disabling another tank and capturing its crew. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.