Navy Federal Credit Union

Captain Charlie Negus James, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 18, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    May 1968 – March 1973

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Charlie Negus James, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1968 to March 1973. By his diligent efforts, exceptional leadership, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions, maintaining good order and discipline among the prisoners. Under constant harassment from their captors, and due to the frustrations of the prisoners during their long internment, many difficult situations arose, requiring perseverance, endurance and ingenuity. Using his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Captain James is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 11 (RVAH-11)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Charlie Negus James, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RA-5C pilot and as Executive Officer of Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron ELEVEN (RVAH-11), in action over Southeast Asia in 1968. His gallant and untiring devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    May 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Charlie Negus James, United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in May 1968. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]