Charles Parsons

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Charles Parsons, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, in 1943 and 1944. Exhibiting high courage in the performance of his dangerous missions, in connection with the supplying of guerrilla forces in the Philippine Islands, Commander Parsons contributed materially to the successful execution of vital operations against the enemy. His inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles Parsons, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during the period from 13 February to 20 July 1943. (Citation not published for reasons of military secrecy) Lieutenant Commander Parsons DSC was awarded for his first mission by submarine to gather information in the Philippine Islands for General MacArthur’s GHQ and AIB. From 1943 to 1945 Lieutenant Commander Charles “Chick” Parson’s spy network smuggled more than 1,300 tons of supplies to the Philippine Guerillas, delivered by nineteen submarines sneaking by night past the Japanese patrol boats.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles Parsons, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession in action against an enemy of the United States. On or about 13 October 1944, Commander Parsons proceeded to Leyte, Philippine Islands, and effected a landing in enemy-controlled territory. At night, alone and unassisted in total disregard of his own safety, he made his way through the enemy lines and successfully established contact with friendly guerrilla troops ashore. He then provided for the successful transmittal to the Fleet of accurate information concerning enemy defenses, disposition and strength which was of great value to the Fleet in furtherance of landing operations. He further provided for the withdrawal to safety of friendly civil population without unduly alerting the enemy, thereby saving many friendly lives and much property. In the execution of these missions, for which he had volunteered, he repeatedly and in total disregard for his own safety, knowing exposed himself to the risk of death or capture at the hands of the enemy. The high courage exhibited by him and the brilliant and successful execution of his missions were a source of inspiration to all hands and of very material aid in the successful execution of the mission of the Central Philippine Attack Force. His conduct on this occasion was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

CMDR, 7th Flt File P15 (F-6) Serial 00248 (17 January 1945)