Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1967

    Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2663 (August 23, 1967)

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Arthur Barrett, II (ASN: 0-5329309), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 July 1967 First Lieutenant Barrett distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, conducting a search and destroy mission south of Duc Co. First Lieutenant Barrett’s platoon was on a reconnaissance mission in an area thought to be used by the enemy. Several hundred meters from the company base camp his platoon made contact with the head of a North Vietnamese Army regimental column and a fire fight began. First Lieutenant Barrett quickly formed his men into a defensive perimeter as they began to return the enemy’s fire. He established radio contact with artillery support and began calling in massive destruction on the heads of the enemy, skillfully adjusting the fire for maximum effectiveness. Displaying excellent tactical skill and superb judgment, he maneuvered his squads into positions from which they could better engaged the enemy, who were attempting to move around the flanks of his platoon. Undaunted by the intense fire of the numerically superiority of the enemy, he fought on, inspiring his men by his courage and leadership. When another platoon radioed that it was going to attempt to aid his platoon, First Lieutenant Barrett warned it of the nature of the situation, enabling the company to regroup and later defeat the enemy. He personally eliminated many enemy soldiers before he was mortally wounded. His gallant efforts were in large part responsible for the unit’s success in the battle that day. First Lieutenant Barrett’s conspicuous courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.