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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Charles Adair (NSN: 0-60294), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Force Navigator in action against enemy Japanese forces during the amphibious operations at Finschhafen, Eastern New Guinea, on 22 September 1943. With the bridge of the Flagship the principal target of persistent and concentrated hostile bombing attack following the withdrawal of our assault ships from the beachhead area on D-Day, Captain Adair repeatedly defied the enemy’s striking planes to direct all ship movements and, ordering radical maneuvers in a brilliantly planned evasive action, enabled the convoy to elude the savagely plunging hostile planes. By his expert seamanship, outstanding tactical skill and dauntless courage under fire, Captain Adair effectively protected the ships of his convoy against all damage from Japanese aircraft and contributed materially to the success of our operations in this area. His gallant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    July 1943 – December 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0597 (February 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Charles Adair (NSN: 0-60294), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Member of the Staff of the Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force, from July 1943 to December 1944. An able exponent of amphibious warfare, Captain Adair took a major part in the planning and execution of every amphibious landing in the Southwest Pacific Area extending from the eastern tip of New Guinea to the Philippine Islands. By his sound judgment and tactical skill in the preparations of plans, his resourceful wisdom and tact in coordinating the operations of the SEVENTH Amphibious Force with other naval and army units, and his superb seamanship and tireless efforts in the execution of complex operations throughout a period of fierce hostilities, Captain Adair contributed essentially to the success of our amphibious landings and to our continued effective prosecution of the war in the Pacific Theater.