Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    29th Marines

    Division:

    6th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 61801

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles A. Dunsford (MCSN: 484380), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 8 June 1945. Although the tank which his team had been assigned to protect drew hostile fire, Private First Class Dunsford deployed his men in order to defend the armored vehicle against attack by enemy personnel. When a direct hit from a hostile artillery shell of heavy caliber set the tank on fire, he ignored the danger involved from the possible exploding of the ammunition, unhesitatingly climbed into the tank, extricated the tank officer and carried him to safety. His bold initiative, coolness under fire and courageous conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.