The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Charles Earle Crafts (ASN: US-51479671), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 29 December 1964, assigned to the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, while serving as a Radio Operator and Advisor to the 33d Vietnamese Ranger Battalion, in support of combat operations near Binh Gia, Vietnam. While accompanying two Vietnamese Ranger Battalions to a landing zone to repel a Viet Cong force, they were ambushed by an estimated 5,000 troops from the newly formed 9th Viet Cong Division. During the initial onslaught of automatic weapon, mortar, and rocket propelled grenade fire, numerous Vietnamese Rangers were wounded or killed. Specialist Fourth Class Crafts moved about the battlefield to organize and encourage his men to continue to fend off the determined enemy. He refused air evacuation twice due to the intense volume of fire on his position, ultimately resulting in his capture. Specialist Fourth Class Crafts’ valorous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Specialist Fourth ClassDivision:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
February 12 – 27, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fourth Class Charles Earle Crafts (ASN: US-51479671), United States Army, for valorous achievement from 12 February 1967 to 23 February 1967, while a Prisoner of War being held by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam. After learning of his pending release, Specialist Fourth Class Crafts agreed to smuggle out several documents, at the risk of death or prolonged captivity. He successfully hid the documents among his few possessions for later release to proper Army authorities, and memorized those which he was unable to sneak past the guards. On the day of his release, and with further disregard for his own personal safety, he beseeched his captors to release another Prisoner of War over himself despite suffering from malaria and other illnesses. Specialist Fourth Class Crafts’ valorous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Specialist Fourth ClassDivision:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
December 29, 1964 – March 8, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Specialist Fourth Class Charles Earle Crafts (ASN: US-51479671), United States Army, for meritorious service during the period 29 December 1964 to 8 March 1967, as a Prisoner of War in support of combat operations in Vietnam. During this time in captivity, Specialist Fourth Class Crafts went above and beyond the call of duty while providing critical care to other prisoners that were severely affected by malnutrition and other maladies. Upon his release, he was able to provide valuable information to the intelligence community concerning the Prisoner of War situation in South Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Crafts’ outstanding performance of duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Specialist Fourth ClassDivision:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
December 29, 1964 – February 23, 1967
Specialist Fourth Class Charles Earle Crafts (ASN: US-51479671), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from December 29, 1964 until his release on February 23, 1967.