Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    47th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 23, 1965

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles Joseph Scharf (AFSN: 0-47305A/AO-22085424), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 23 August 1965. On that date, Captain Scharf participated in the destruction of a target of great importance to an opposing armed force. The target, located deep in hostile territory, was within range of a suspected surface-to-air Missile (SAM) site and was heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and automatic weapons. Captain Scharf, with disregard for his personal safety, deliberately approached the target from an altitude and heading which insured optimum weapons deliver on target but at the same time gave the hostile forces the opportunity to employ their defense forces to best advantage. Despite the hazards involved, the ordnance was delivered on target with such accuracy that subsequent bomb damage assessment photography confirmed that it had been completely destroyed. As a result of this mission, the capability of the opposing force to wage an armed conflict was significantly impaired. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Scharf reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.