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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Charles William Bradley (AFSN: FR-57131), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a jet photo reconnaissance pilot near Bac Ninh, North Vietnam, on 14 July 1966. On that date, Captain Bradley piloted an unarmed, unescorted RF-101 aircraft on a bomb damage assessment mission against a vital bridge complex in an area known to be defended by an impressive arsenal of highly sophisticated weapons. Captain Bradley demonstrated outstanding combat professionalism by utilizing a new tactic in a dangerous area and obtaining complete photographic coverage of the assigned target. The new intelligence obtained from this mission proved to be of vital importance to the military operations in Southeast Asia. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bradley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Charles William Bradley (AFSN: FR-57131), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    308th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Action Date:

    May 31, 1966
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 757 (September 22, 1966)

    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 William Bradley (AFSN: FR-57131), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over North Vietnam on 31 May 1966. On that date, as Pilot of an RF-101 Reconnaissance Jet, Captain Bradley encountered extremely adverse weather conditions resulting in his being deprived of electronic counter measures and protective cover from hostile aircraft in his heavily defended target area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Bradley, realizing the urgency of his mission, continued and successfully completed his mission in the face of intense and continuous hostile ground fire and imminent missile attack, thus providing vital intelligence data of great significance. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Bradley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.