Charles L. Shaub

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Charles L. Shaub, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Loadmaster of a C-130 aircraft of the 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron, An Loc Air Base, Vietnam, SEVENTH Air Force, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 15 April 1972. On that date, while accomplishing a tactical emergency low level airdrop of critically needed ammunition to a besieged concentration of allied forces, Sergeant Shaub’s aircraft was severely damaged by hostile anti-aircraft fire. Realizing the immediate danger to the aircraft and crew, Sergeant Shaub risked his own life to jettison the burning cargo seconds before it exploded and to extinguish a raging fuselage fire, sustaining severe burns on his face, neck and hands in the process. By these Actions, Sergeant Shaub saved the lives of his fellow crew members and prevented the loss of his aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Staff Sergeant Shaub reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.