Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
E.
Brannon
MIA (WWII) KIA
August 2, 1919

–

June 4, 1942

Cemetery:

National Memorial of the Pacific Cemetery

Though Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) was assigned to the U.S.S. Hornet, Darrell Woodside was one of 6 pilots recently detached to take command of new TBF Avengers. The six pilots had flown their new aircraft into Midway three days before the battle began, and had not yet flown out to rejoin their carrier when they were dispatched to engage the Japanese force. All six pilots earned the Navy Cross, in addition to two enlisted members of their crews. Five of the six pilots received their awards posthumously after being listed as Missing in Action. The only survivor, Ensign Albert Earnest, earned TWO Navy Crosses at Midway, bringing the squadron (of six planes) total to NINE awards (seven posthumously).

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8)

    Division:

    Naval Air Station, Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 3013 (July 16, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Charles E. Brannon (NSN: 0-105955), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 and 5 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Ensign Brannon pressed home his attack in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.