Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 195 (VA-195)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1952

    Board Serial 462 (May 26, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Rutherford Holman (NSN: 0-486204), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot of an Attack Bomber of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE (VA-195), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CV-37), during a strike mission against the Fusen #1 Hydro-Electric Power Station in Communist held North Korea on 1 August 1952. Upon the disability of his division leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Holman gallantly led a division of aircraft through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and courageously succeeded in destroying the target. With great determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety he executed his attacks upon this vital target amidst the bursting of enemy shells. His skillful maneuvering and bombing precision resulted in two direct hits on the power station and one on the penstocks. Gun ammunition remaining, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Holman returned to the coastal areas to inflict further damage to the enemy by leading repeated strafing attacks in the face of intense ground fire upon supply concentrations and beached boats. During this devastating attacks he or his plane was hit causing the aircraft to crash into the sea. The superb airmanship and daring exhibition by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Holman in carrying out his assigned mission at the cost of his own life immeasurably contributed to the offensive efforts of the United Nations’ Forces in North Korea. His extraordinary heroism and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.