Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Tank Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 3, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 032423 (November 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Charles Dudley Berry (MCSN: 447886), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Crewman in a Tank Platoon of Company B, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 3 May 1945. Quick to act when the attack against a strongly fortified enemy hill was halted by a disabled tank, blocking the entire advance of the tank platoon in a narrow defile, Corporal Berry dismounted from his vehicle and, courageously braving the intense concentrations of hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire pinning down the accompanying infantry, worked his way to the immobile tank, unhooked the towing cable, attached it to another tank and directed its removal from the narrow pass. Although severely wounded during this heroic action, he not only prevented the certain destruction of several of our tanks but also rendered possible the successful completion of the attack upon the Japanese emplacements. Corporal Berry’s resolute fortitude and devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.