The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Airman First Class Charles Damian McGrath, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue and Recovery Specialist on 21 July 1971. On that date, Airman McGrath was a crewmember on an aircraft that was shot down deep within hostile territory. With complete disregard for his own safety, Airman McGrath, despite being exposed to hostile gunfire, performed vital medical aid to an injured crewmember. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Airman McGrath has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
SergeantBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 26 – 27, 1972
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order GB-0022 (October 4, 1972)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles D. McGrath, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia from 26 April 1972 to 27 April 1972. During this period, Sergeant McGrath, a Pararescue recovery specialist on an HH-53C Super Jolly Green Rescue Helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area to effect the rescue of a downed American airman. His professional skill in providing the accurate and effective ground suppression fire required throughout the mission and his willingness, at great risk to his own life, to expose himself to hostile ground forces from his open mini gun position, was instrumental in the successful completion of this most hazardous mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McGrath has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
SergeantBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 24, 1972
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. GA-0413 (November 4, 1972)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Charles Damian McGrath, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Recovery Specialist, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 24 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant McGrath’s job, knowledge, outstanding airmanship, and continuous professionalism, displayed under the constant threat of hostile fire and adverse weather conditions, immeasurably aided the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron in recovery of a downed American aircrew member. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McGrath reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
SergeantBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 27, 1972
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-83 (January 29, 1973)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Sergeant Charles D. McGrath, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescueman on a HH-53C Rescue Helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in North Vietnam on 27 June 1972. On that date, while penetrating dense jungle to rescue a severely injured American airman, Sergeant McGrath exposed himself to intense ground fire in order to drag the incapacitated survivor to a suitable recovery area. Seeing his rescue aircraft crippled by the hostile fire, he directed air strikes against surrounding hostile ground forces until he was able to secure the survivor and himself to the penetrator of a backup helicopter. Rising through constant accurate ground fire, he shielded the survivor with his own body until they were successfully recovered into the aircraft where he immediately began providing the vital medical assistance required to save the lives of the survivor and an injured crew member. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant McGrath reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.