Charles M. Earnest

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles M Earnest (553-46-8397), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VA-75), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60), in Southeast Asia. On 11 September 1972, Commander Earnest was the strike leader of a thirty-seven plane major coordinated air wing strike against a heavily defended major barracks complex and storage area located deep within enemy territory. Commander Earnest was responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the mission. Displaying expert skill and aggressive airmanship he led a devastating attack on the target without loss or damage to a single aircraft. Post-strike photography revealed the total destruction of one ammunition storage building, one administration building, nine double warehouses, six sing bay warehouses, twenty-one barracks buildings, and twelve support structures and heavy damage to thirteen other structures. Commander Earnest’s superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.