The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 22 November 1969. On that date, he was scrambled to participate in a Search and Rescue mission for the crew of a Navy fighter shot down deep in hostile territory. Acting as the On-Scene Commander of the rescue forces, Captain Holder repeatedly braved intense anti-aircraft fire to make low altitude passes over the survivor’s location. His efforts resulted in the safe and rapid recovery of the downed pilot. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
March 1, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2532 (1970)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 Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 1 March 1970. On that date, he led a force engaged in a Search and Rescue mission for a Navy pilot downed deep in hostile territory. Although the downed pilot was situated in the midst of formidable antiaircraft defenses, Captain Holder never faltered in his quest for a successful rescue. Forced by low-hanging clouds to fly continuously within range of the hostile gun positions, he formulated an overall plan for the rescue attempt and provided protective cover for the survivor until the arrival of helicopters. Repeatedly braving hostile and accurate ground fire, he foiled several attempts at capture by the opposing troops. His courage and ingenuity resulted in a successful recovery under extremely adverse conditions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Holder has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 7, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Tactical Fighter Pilot with the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 7 April 1970. On that date, he led a Search and Rescue mission during the successful recovery of two Air Force pilots forced to eject from their crippled aircraft deep in hostile territory. Although often the target of antiaircraft fire, his resourcefulness and command of the situation resulted in the successful termination of the two day rescue effort. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2150 (1970)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia in 1969. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
22d Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 27, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-3043 (1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 27 December 1969. On that date, he participated in a Search and Rescue mission for two crew members downed over an intensely defended portion of the hostile infiltration route into South Vietnam. Captain Holder unhesitatingly braved the deadly ground fire as he set up a protective pattern over these downed pilots. His efforts aided immensely in the speedy and safe recovery of both crew members. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.