Charles D. Mcgrath

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Charles D. McGrath, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescueman on a HH-53C Rescue Helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action in North Vietnam on 27 June 1972. On that date, while penetrating dense jungle to rescue a severely injured American airman, Sergeant McGrath exposed himself to intense ground fire in order to drag the incapacitated survivor to a suitable recovery area. Seeing his rescue aircraft crippled by the hostile fire, he directed air strikes against surrounding hostile ground forces until he was able to secure the survivor and himself to the penetrator of a backup helicopter. Rising through constant accurate ground fire, he shielded the survivor with his own body until they were successfully recovered into the aircraft where he immediately began providing the vital medical assistance required to save the lives of the survivor and an injured crew member. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant McGrath reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles D. McGrath, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia from 26 April 1972 to 27 April 1972. During this period, Sergeant McGrath, a Pararescue recovery specialist on an HH-53C Super Jolly Green Rescue Helicopter, penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area to effect the rescue of a downed American airman. His professional skill in providing the accurate and effective ground suppression fire required throughout the mission and his willingness, at great risk to his own life, to expose himself to hostile ground forces from his open mini gun position, was instrumental in the successful completion of this most hazardous mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McGrath has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.