Charlie H. Barfield

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charlie H. Barfield, Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ONE (VF-1), embarked from the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), on 24 July 1945, and deployed over Kure Naval Base, in the heart of the Japanese homeland. Ensign Barfield pressed home his attack in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire of all calibers from warships of many types augmented by a ring of shore-based batteries. By scoring a direct hit on a large enemy aircraft carrier, he contributed materially to the success of the Task Force attack. Ensign Barfield’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Air Task Force, Pacific Fleet: Serial 25215 (December 7, 1945)