Charles McCaskill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1960. He retired as a U.S. Navy Commander.
Sponsored by:
–
Home:
,
Charles McCaskill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1960. He retired as a U.S. Navy Commander.
Service:
Rank:
Batallion:
Regiment:
Action Date:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Charles Edward McCaskill, Jr. (NSN: 0-641420), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight as Fire Team Leader of a flight of two UH-1B helicopter gunships attached to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE, Detachment TWO on 19 May 1968. Lieutenant McCaskill was called to aid the Nhon Trach District Headquarters which was under attack by an estimated company of Viet Cong and in serious danger of being overrun. Disregarding thunderstorm activity which required the fire team to fly into the area at low level, Lieutenant McCaskill led the flight to the besieged area. The enemy was about to break the perimeter defenses and overrun the compound. Despite the short distance between the enemy and the defenders, Lieutenant McCaskill led the fire team through numerous attacks, beginning low level and terminating by twisting and rolling to avoid the heavy ground fire. When attack runs had to be made over the same route, Lieutenant McCaskill disregarded the savage pre-planned cross-fire of automatic weapons and placed his deadly accurate rocket and machine gun fire on the enemy. Finally the enemy broke off its attack and began to retreat in confusion. Quickly determining the new location of the enemy, Lieutenant McCaskill unleashed the remainder of his ordnance on them, inflicting numerous casualties. Now totally expended, Lieutenant McCaskill, realizing that the enemy would regroup and attack again, remained in the are and directed a Forward Air Controller and relief fire team into the area. Remaining low level, despite the intense fire he was unable to return, Lieutenant McCaskill refused to be relieved and remained on the scene as Tactical Commander. He directed the relief fire team on to the now concealed enemy, completely breaking their spirit and causing them to flee the area, taking heavy casualties. Although now near fuel starvation, Lieutenant McCaskill did not leave the area until it was clear that the compound was in no further danger. Lieutenant McCaskill’s devotion to duty, courage under fire and outstanding professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.