Charles R. Middaugh

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Middaugh, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Force, for heroism in action while serving with the 18th Air Base Squadron, during the attack on Hickam Field by Japanese forces (aircraft) on 7 December 1941. Staff Sergeant Middaugh was a gunner on a .30 caliber machine gun during the second raid on Hickam Field. As a Japanese plane headed straight for his gun position, Staff Sergeant Middaugh took the plane under fire. Staff Sergeant Middaugh knew he was making direct hits through the use of tracer bullets. Smoke trailed from the plane which banked over Pearl Harbor and flew toward Barbers Point, appearing to be out of control. The heroism, devotion to duty and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by Staff Sergeant Middaugh on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross