Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Charles Roy Huggins, United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Captain Huggins distinguished himself by heroic action on 9 June 1972 in the city of An Loc, while serving as the Senior Advisor to the 81st Ranger Group, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while under an intense mortar attack, small arms and rocket fire Captain Huggins moved forward to an exposed observation post to better observe a counter attack by the 8th Regiment of the 5th Vietnamese Division. Upon observing the enemy withdrawing under the intense fire, Captain Huggins began placing accurate rifle fire and directing small weapons fire upon the enemy. Oblivious to the intense enemy fire, he remained at his exposed observation post, contacted the Senior Advisor to the 5th Vietnamese Division, and adjusted friendly mortar fire upon the enemy. The enemy intensified their mortar attack in an attempt to save their fleeing troops, but Captain Huggins remained at his exposed vantage point to continue to direct friendly fire upon the enemy. Captain Huggins’ heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 16 – June 16, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Charles Roy Huggins, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period 16 April 1972 to 16 June 1972, while serving as Senior Advisor, 81st Airborne Ranger Group, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Captain Huggins was instrumental to the decided success of the 81st Group as it fought a continuous series of vicious engagements within the city of An Loc. His adjustment of United States fire support assets within the city was often the determining factor in the outcome of the close in fighting that characterized his unit’s operations. Because the 81st Group was always outnumbered by the enemy, the support provided by Captain Huggins was the only factor that prevented the decimation of his unit. Captain Huggins’ outstanding achievement was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 20 – May 20, 1972

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 2439 (October 17, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Charles Roy Huggins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Airborne Division Assistance Team, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Huggins distinguished himself while serving as an advisor to the 81st Ranger Group, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during the period 20 April to 20 May 1972. As the 81st Ranger Battalion began to retake the enemy-held northern sector of the besieged provincial capital of An Loc, Captain Huggins accompanied the forward elements and directed massive air strikes on the enemy positions while exposing himself to the intensive barrage of enemy fire. In an attempt to further identify enemy troop positions and anti-aircraft sites, he made a nighttime infiltration of the enemy who repeatedly subjected him to heavy indirect and small arms fire as he moved from house to house. On three other occasions, Captain Huggins prevented enemy troops and tank attacks from overrunning the friendly positions while exposing himself from rooftops and forward positions to a fusillade of enemy fire. The professional knowledge and courage he displayed in combating numerically superior enemy ground forces served as an inspiration to the friendly troops and provided the determination to successfully fulfill their mission. Captain Huggins’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 18 – 19, 1972

    Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 72 (September 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 Captain (Infantry) Charles Roy Huggins, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Huggins distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 18 – 19 April 1972, while serving as Senior Advisor, 81st Ranger Group, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On those dates Captain Huggins repeatedly exposed himself to almost constant enemy artillery fire as he adjusted supporting fires for his unit. As his unit progressed in the attack, Captain Huggins realized that a number of enemy were retreating unobserved by his units. He brought this enemy unit under fire with his personal weapon, marking their withdrawal route for his own troops. After this, Captain Huggins moved to another exposed position and remained there under intense fire as he broke up a final enemy attack with well-placed gunship fire. Captain Huggins was instrumental to the success enjoyed by his unit. Captain Huggins’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.