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Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
M
Earnest
MIA (RVN) KIA
October 8, 1934

–

November 28, 1972

Charles Earnest was declared Missing in Action after he crashed at sea on November 28, 1972.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-60)

    Action Date:

    September 11, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Commander Charles M Earnest, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VA-75), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60), in Southeast Asia. On 11 September 1972, Commander Earnest was the strike leader of a thirty-seven plane major coordinated air wing strike against a heavily defended major barracks complex and storage area located deep within enemy territory. Commander Earnest was responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the mission. Displaying expert skill and aggressive airmanship he led a devastating attack on the target without loss or damage to a single aircraft. Post-strike photography revealed the total destruction of one ammunition storage building, one administration building, nine double warehouses, six sing bay warehouses, twenty-one barracks buildings, and twelve support structures and heavy damage to thirteen other structures. Commander Earnest’s superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-60)

    Action Date:

    July 12, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Charles M Earnest, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VA-75), embarked in U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60). On 12 July 1972, Commander Earnest led an eleven plane coordinated air wing strike against a heavily defended major transshipment point in Southeast Asia. His imaginative and flawless planning provided for maximum flight group protection during the ingress and attack phases with each aircraft attacking a separate segment of the target complex. In spite of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire as the strike group approached the target area, he led the strike group to the pre-briefed attack points. Ignoring extremely accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire during his precise dive bombing attack, he placed all ordnance directly on his designated target. Post-strike photography revealed the devastating effectiveness of this strike which resulted in fifty-two buildings destroyed or damaged. Commander Earnest’s courageous leadership and exceptional skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.