Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Charles Raymond Dunn (AFSN: FR-68759/12571242), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Detachment 5, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 16 June 1984 to 31 July 1986. During this period, the exemplary professionalism, mature leadership, sound judgment, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Dunn have resulted in a significant enhancement of operational test and evaluation capabilities at Edwards Air Force Base with a far-reaching impact on the acquisition of major weapon systems essential to the national defense. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Dunn culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    March 13, 1968

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-1553 (May 25, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Charles Raymond Dunn (AFSN: FR-68759/12571242), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 13 March 1968, in Southeast Asia. On that date, Captain Dunn penetrated an extremely hostile area to rescue a downed fighter pilot. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and without escort or cover, Captain Dunn, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, effected a successful rescue in the face of hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Dunn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 17, 1981 – June 8, 1984

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Charles Raymond Dunn (AFSN: FR-68759/12571242), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 6594th Test Group, Air Force Satellite Control Facility, Space Division, Air Force Systems Command, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, from 17 June 1981 to 8 June 1984. During this period, the leadership, experience, and devotion to duty of Colonel Dunn were directly responsible for the operational execution of a program of vital importance to the defense posture of the United States. During his tenure, the Test Group, maintained a level of operational excellence so noteworthy that the unit was praised in a personal letter from President Reagan for unsurpassed readiness and flawless performance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Dunn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-2166 (December 4, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles Raymond Dunn (AFSN: FR-68759/12571242), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving a Rescue Crew Commander with the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 26 August 1967, in Southeast Asia. On that date, Captain Dunn flew his HH-3E helicopter over one of the most heavily defended hostile areas in Southeast Asia to attempt the rescue of a downed pilot. Despite concentrated flak and heavy small arms fire hitting the aircraft, Captain Dunn adroitly maneuvered the aircraft to retrieve the pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Dunn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    August 21, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-1987 (November 13, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Raymond Dunn (AFSN: FR-68759/12571242), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E Jolly Green helicopter in Southeast Asia on 21 August 1967. On that date, Captain Dunn flew two hazardous rescue missions and successfully rescued a total of eight wounded Marines. Both missions were extremely difficult because of minimal weather conditions, a thick jungle canopy, rough terrain and hostile ground fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dunn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.