Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Regiment:

    Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Marcus Island (CVE-77)

    Action Date:

    January 8, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Charles Rayburn Bradford, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Composite Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VC-21) aboard the U.S.S. MARCUS ISLAND (CVE-77). Ensign Bradford served as pilot of an airplane assigned the task of providing air cover for a task force en route to the invasion of Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 8 January 1945, he intercepted and broke up an attacking force of enemy aircraft. He led his section in a daring counterattack. So accurate was his first burst of fire that the enemy’s leading plane crashed in flames. Recovering from this run he wheeled again into the main attacking force, selecting a second target and sent it burning into the sea after his first victim. His sheer daring materially aided in the breaking up of the serious threat to our forces. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Regiment:

    Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Marcus Island (CVE-77)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02352 (March 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Charles Rayburn Bradford, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter plane of Composite Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VC-21), based on the carrier U.S.S. MARCUS ISLAND (CVE-77), and assigned to the mission of strafing major units of a Japanese force off Samar, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Ensign Bradford observed a destroyer which was giving unusual protective anti-aircraft fire for a cruiser under attack by our torpedo bombers. He fearlessly and accurately attacked the destroyer, raking it from stem to stern and silencing two gun batteries. His attack drew fire away from his bombing planes which helped them complete their mission. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.