Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
Valentine
August
POW (WWII) Twice

Home:

, 

California

Charles August may be the only person to be a POW twice in the same war, after being shot down in both the European and Pacific Theater’s of action.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 44 (VF-44)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Langley (CVL-27)

    Action Date:

    December 15, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles Valentine August (NSN: 0-104075), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the leader of an eight plane flight of fighter planes of Fighting Squadron FORTY-FOUR (VF-44), embarked in U.S.S. LANGLEY, while participating in aerial flight against Japanese forces on 15 December 1944, over the islands between Luzon and Formosa. Fling a carrier-based fighter aircraft he led with coolness, great daring, and skill a coordinated attack of eight planes on a Japanese destroyer, with the result that the destroyer was probably sunk. Intense anti-aircraft fire was experienced. On the same flight he participated in the destruction of a Japanese float plane, leading a perilous attack at low level with great skill and daring. His leadership, keen judgment, courage, and skill and performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Africa)

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1942

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Valentine August (NSN: 0-104075), United States Navy, was shot down on or about 8 November 1942, and was held briefly by the Vichy French forces until he was subsequently released.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Japan)

    Action Date:

    January 4, 1945 – August 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Lieutenant Charles V. August (NSN: 0-104075), United States Navy, was shot down by the Japanese on 4 January 1945, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release at the end of hostilities in August 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 41 (VF-41)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Ranger (CV-4)

    Action Date:

    November 8 – 11, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Valentine August (NSN: 0-104075), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Pilot of a plane of Fighting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VF-41), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 November 1942 to 11 November 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, August was in a flight of eighteen planes that attacked the Cazes Airdrome, inflicting heavy damage to aircraft on the ground and to anti-aircraft batteries near the airport. During this engagement he also shot down two hostile planes in the face of outnumbering opposition. Due to an engine casualty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, August was forced to parachute from his damaged plane, being taken prisoner shortly thereafter. The courage, skill, and perseverance displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, August during the action described highest credit reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.