Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    22d Marines

    Division:

    6th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    April 1 – June 18, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 52026 (January 10, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Charles D. Dugan (MCSN: 378498), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as the Leader of an Observation Post Team of the Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Group, from 1 April to 18 June 1945. From the early days of the Okinawa campaign, Corporal Dugan performed his duties in a highly efficient manner and succeeded in maintaining continuous observation throughout this entire period despite the heavy hostile artillery and rifle fire to which his unit was constantly subjected. On 18 June, when the Observation Post Team on Hill 69 was under withering rifle fire from the enemy forces, thus endangering the Regimental Commander, officers and enlisted men accompanying him, Corporal Dugan ascertained the approximate location f the dangerous Japanese position and, without regard for his personal safety, led the members of the Observation Team in an attack upon the enemy emplacement, successfully destroying it. His courage and outstanding devotion to duty served as an inspiration to the men of his unit and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.