Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Staff Sergeant Charles G. Erickson, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. This valiant effort was motivated by deep compassion for his imprisoned fellow men-at-arms, and by a strong sense of military duty and national pride. After exiting from the assault helicopter inside the compound, Sergeant Erickson, realizing that any hesitation would enable the enemy forces with concentrated fire to annihilate his element, vigorously moved to his designated position where he was completely exposed to the enemy weapons fire being received in his area. He valiantly held his position in order to cover the remainder of his element. Detecting an enemy force to his rear preparing to assault the main gate, he immediately countered this threat with intense fire, neutralizing the enemy force. Sergeant Erickson’s conscious disregard of his personal safety, extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received