Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    March 12, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 17 (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 Corporal Charles L. Severa (ASN: 35150772), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving with the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action on 12 March 1944. On that date, Corporal Severa’s cavalry regiment was driving enemy troops from fortified positions at Hauwei Island, in the Admiralty group, when his platoon was stopped by a vicious concentration of cross fire. Observing that one of his gunners had been killed, Corporal Severa, disregarding the intensity of the fire and extreme peril in which his exposure placed him, crawled with two boxes of ammunition to the machine gun, incurring a severe head wound. With complete fearlessness and contempt for the enemy fire concentrated on his machine gun position, and disregarding his wound, he then manned the gun and continued to deliver fire upon the enemy. His heroic and fearless behavior was an important factor in driving the enemy from their positions and in hastening the defeat of the enemy. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.