Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Charles Henry Peters, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during combat missions against North Vietnamese forces on 1 July 1966. When his plane was hit by enemy ground fire and started to burn, Commander Peters elected to fly his aircraft to the relative safety of the open sea. He succeeded in flying 140 miles over enemy territory, reaching the coast as a large fire engulfed his right wing. As he broadcast his intention to eject because of rapid loss of control, the plane went into a violent snap roll and made three turns before Commander Peters was able to eject. His intrepid action brought his accompanying aviators away from an extremely hazardous environment, sacrificing his life in his effort to protect the lives of others.

General Orders: All Hands (July 1967)

Action Date: July 1, 1966

Service: Navy

Rank: Commander

Peters, Charles Henry, CDR