Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    555th Field Artillery Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 149 (April 25, 1952)

    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 (Field Artillery) Charles W. Turnbell (ASN: 0-954326), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 555th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, near Kumsong, Korea, on 1 November 1951. He was attached to an infantry line company that was being subjected to a savage assault by the enemy. Acting as a Forward Observer, he was trying to eliminate a hostile mortar which was delivering murderous fire on his comrades. As Lieutenant Turnbell performed his duties, he was attacked by a squad of fanatical enemy soldiers who were heavily armed with rifles, automatic weapons and grenades. He continued to relay the important directions to the artillery positions as he held off the foe by throwing hand grenades into their midst. Unhesitatingly and with utter disregard for his own safety, he remained at his post and fought the enemy hordes until he was relieved by troops from the friendly unit. His driving aggressiveness against the numerically superior enemy enabled his unit to carry on its activities with the greatly needed support of artillery fire. Lieutenant Turnbell’s gallant action, tenacious determination and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Artillery.