Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charlie Falletta (ASN: 0-417206), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-39 Fighter Airplane in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 3 May 1942 near Port Moresby, New Guinea. While on a mission to intercept enemy planes pursuing one of our bombers, Lieutenant Falletta noted a flight of nine enemy fighters. He made a diving head-on attack on the two leading planes through a burst of cannon and machine gun fire and succeeded in forcing the enemy formation to change course and split up, enabling the rest of our planes to make successful attacks. Both enemy planes initially attacked by Lieutenant Falletta were last seen spinning earthward. He then made two more attacks on separate enemy fighters, damaging both. Second Lieutenant Falletta’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    36th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, V Fighter Command, General Orders No. 5 (February 16, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charlie Falletta (ASN: 0-417206), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Falletta, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    36th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charlie Falletta (ASN: 0-417206), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.