Navy Federal Credit Union

With his powerful and accurate arm, Charles W. “Gus” Garnham became a hometown hero when he led his high school football team to the City League football championship in 1935.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    142d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 13, 1944

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 66 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles W. Garnham (ASN: 0-1306283), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. On 13 June 1944 near Magliano, Italy, Company F was assigned the mission of entering and capturing the city of Magliano. This task was rendered doubly hazardous by the firmly entrenched, strongly fortified enemy defenses and by the forty-foot wall which surrounded the town. Lieutenant Garnham was instructed to lead his platoon in forcing an entry into the town and softening the hostile positions for the remainder of the company. Leading his platoon toward the South gate of the city, he discovered a machine gun and anti-tank gun protecting the entrance, and skillfully maneuvered his platoon to the East wall. After personally reconnoitering the area and finding that this approach was also covered by two enemy machine guns, he swiftly led his platoon to the North wall which had no entrance and had been left unguarded. Using a ladder he preceded his men over the wall onto the roof of a building, moving across adjoining roof tops, crouching low and continuing on until he reached a position directly over two hostile machine guns. Catching the enemy completely unaware, he hurled a hand grenade into the emplacement, destroying the guns and scattering those members of the crew who had not been wounded. As three enemy soldiers charged forward with a machine gun to stop the attack, he whirled on them and emptied his carbine into their midst, killing two and wounding the other. During the furious gun fight that followed he continued to effectively fire his carbine and throw hand grenades for several hours. On one occasion he single-handedly captured seven enemy soldiers in a room of a building. By his courageous deeds Lieutenant Garnham’s platoon successfully accomplished more than its mission, enabling the company to take the city with little difficulty.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    142d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1944

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 423 (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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles W. Garnham (ASN: 0-1306283), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 8 October 1944 in France. When Lieutenant Garnham assumed command of Company F, the organization had been seriously weakened by numerous casualties. Assigned the mission of following Company E in an attack against enemy positions in a heavily wooded area, Lieutenant Garnham moved his company into position. The assault began, and the leading elements were subjected to artillery and mortar shelling and machine gun fire. Lieutenant Garnham advanced fearlessly through the heavy barrage, leading his men forward in the attack. Although he suffered three wounds in his leg during the fighting, he valiantly continued the assault and led his company in smashing the enemy resistance and achieved the objective. His gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.