The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles Parsons, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action during the period from 13 February to 20 July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Parsons volunteered for a hazardous secret mission in the southern Philippine Islands. He proceeded from Australia, through waters patrolled by the enemy, to the island of Mindanao, where he traveled on foot, on horseback and by launch, in continuous danger of capture and death at the hands of enemy patrols. He established a coast-watch post at Surigao, then visited and coordinated forces operating in the islands of Leyte and Samar. Subsequently, at great personal risk, he went to the Bukidnon Valley where he improved the organization of loyal forces. While on this mission he participated in an ambush which destroyed an enemy patrol. On 26 June 1943, he was cut off in Misamis Occiental by enemy landing attacks and had to make his way through un-mapped mountainous country to rejoin friendly forces. The brilliant, daring and resourcefulness of Lieutenant Commander Parsons enabled him to avoid capture, complete his mission and return to Australia with information of great military value.
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Charles Parsons, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, in 1943 and 1944. Exhibiting high courage in the performance of his dangerous missions, in connection with the supplying of guerrilla forces in the Philippine Islands, Commander Parsons contributed materially to the successful execution of vital operations against the enemy. His inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 00248 (17 January 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Charles Parsons, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession in action against an enemy of the United States. On or about 13 October 1944, Commander Parsons proceeded to Leyte, Philippine Islands, and effected a landing in enemy-controlled territory. At night, alone and unassisted in total disregard of his own safety, he made his way through the enemy lines and successfully established contact with friendly guerrilla troops ashore. He then provided for the successful transmittal to the Fleet of accurate information concerning enemy defenses, disposition and strength which was of great value to the Fleet in furtherance of landing operations. He further provided for the withdrawal to safety of friendly civil population without unduly alerting the enemy, thereby saving many friendly lives and much property. In the execution of these missions, for which he had volunteered, he repeatedly and in total disregard for his own safety, knowing exposed himself to the risk of death or capture at the hands of the enemy. The high courage exhibited by him and the brilliant and successful execution of his missions were a source of inspiration to all hands and of very material aid in the successful execution of the mission of the Central Philippine Attack Force. His conduct on this occasion was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.