The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Charles Nels Tanner, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 9 October 1966 as a pilot of jet aircraft, serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR, embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), during aerial combat operations in Southeast Asia. Leading a section of flak-suppression aircraft in an attack on a railroad complex at Phu Ly, North Vietnam, Commander Tanner continued his attack in the face of intense enemy surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery fire, completed his bombing run, and scored a direct hit on a major flak site. His skill, courage, and dedication were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 1969 – January 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Charles Nels Tanner, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from January 1969 to January 1973. During this period, although under constant surveillance from his captors, he performed duties involving highly classified material in an exemplary and professional manner. Through his zealousness and ingenuity, he generated new ideas and improvised techniques greatly enhancing covert operations. Although in a hostile environment, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. By his inspiring courage, exceptional skill, and resourcefulness, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 9, 1966 – March 4, 1973
Commander Charles Nels Tanner, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 9, 1966 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1966 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Charles Nels Tanner, 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 October 1966 to March 1973. Under the most adverse conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. In an outstanding and tireless fashion he serves as both an educator and an entertainer to provide diversion and constructive rehabilitative thinking to his fellow prisoners during their long internment. Despite harsh treatment and a lack of material aids, he devoted long hours toward improving their morale and well-being. His extraordinary skill, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement 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.]
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 154 (VF-154)Division:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 9 – 12, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Charles Nels Tanner, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 9 October to 12 October 1966. His captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, 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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
March 1971 – January 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Charles Nels Tanner, United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 9 October 1966 to 4 March 1973. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, 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.]
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
April 25 – May 12, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Charles Nels Tanner, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 25 April to 12 May 1969. His captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, 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.