Other Memories
Sgt. Burnett was stationed aboard the USS Constellation from 06Fen66 to 24Feb67, as Sgt. of the Guard.
During his service aboard the Constellation, the ship participated in the South China Sea/the Gulf of Tonkin Operations to include air strikes on targets in North and South Vietnam.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917 MoreHide
Comments Purple Heart Medal
Criteria:
A. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 Apr... Purple Heart Medal
Criteria:
A. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded;
(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged;
(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;
(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces;
(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force;
(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the department concerned, or jointly by the Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more than one department are wounded in the attack; or,
(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
(8) After 7 December 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound.
(9) While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive.
B. A wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer.
SSgt. Charles Cleveland Burnett Jr. was an Infantry Unit Leader of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd. Marine Division, 3rd. Marine Amphibious Force.
Charles was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for fatal wounds he received during combat action in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam on 05/14/1967.
Charles was fatally wounded by hostile small arms fire. He died outright. His body was recovered the same day.
SSgt. Charles C. Burnett Jr's name is engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, Panel 19E, Line 116, in Washington, DC.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Description Combat Action Ribbon
Effective Dates:
The Combat Action Ribbon originally took effect on March 1, 1961; however, with the passage of Public Law 106-65 (cited above), award of the Combat Action Ribbon ma... Combat Action Ribbon
Effective Dates:
The Combat Action Ribbon originally took effect on March 1, 1961; however, with the passage of Public Law 106-65 (cited above), award of the Combat Action Ribbon may now be made retroactive to December 7, 1941.
Criteria:
The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat.
Personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge while a member of the Army may be authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon. The principal criterion is that the recipient must have participated in a bona fide ground or surface combat firefight or in an action during which he was under enemy fire and his performance while under fire was satisfactory.
Order of Precedence:
The Combat Action Ribbon is worn after the Navy Achievement Medal and before the Navy Presidential Unit Citation.
Devices:
Because this ribbon is considered to be a personal decoration, additional awards are indicated by gold stars five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter (an additional star in silver of the same size denotes a sixth award).
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Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Effective Dates:
The Navy Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since October 16, 1941.
Criteria:
The Navy Presidential Unit Citation is awarded in the name of th... Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Effective Dates:
The Navy Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since October 16, 1941.
Criteria:
The Navy Presidential Unit Citation is awarded in the name of the President to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must have accomplished its mission under such extremely difficult and hazardous conditions to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would be required for award of a Navy Cross to an individual.
Order of Precedence:
The Navy Presidential Unit Citation is worn after the Combat Action Ribbon and before the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
Devices:
Bronze and silver stars three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter.
Subsequent award of the Presidential Unit Citation are currently denoted by bronze stars three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter;
A silver star three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter is worn in lieu of five bronze stars.
Blue stars three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter (now obsolete) were initially used to denote second and subsequent awards.
A gold block letter N was authorized for wear on the Navy Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the crew of the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) for service between July 22 and August 5, 1958.
A bronze globe was authorized for wear on the Navy Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the crew of the USS Triton (SSN 586) for service between February 16 and May 10, 1960. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy, 17 July 1967, it is awarded by the Secretary to any unit of the Navy or ... Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy, 17 July 1967, it is awarded by the Secretary to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself under combat or noncombat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation.
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Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments Vietnam Service Medal
Criteria:
A. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 197... Vietnam Service Medal
Criteria:
A. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. To be eligible for award of the medal, individual must- -
(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations; or
(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations; or
(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.
B. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 shall remain qualified for the medal. Upon request, the individual may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in the individualâ??s personnel records. No person shall be entitled to both awards for Vietnam Service. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation:
Criteria:
A. U.S. Military units were individually cited for award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese Government issued the... Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation:
Criteria:
A. U.S. Military units were individually cited for award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Military Assistance Command (MACV) during the period 8 February 1962 and 28 March 1973 and to U.S. Army Vietnam and its subordinate units for the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March 1973. This permits all personnel who served in Vietnam to wear the RVN Gallantry Cross unit citation.
B. The medal was awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level.
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Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Description Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Ribbon
Criteria:
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded as an individual foreign award to some members of the United States Army. The unit citation ... Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Ribbon
Criteria:
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded as an individual foreign award to some members of the United States Army. The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974. Individuals who received the RVN Civil Actions Medal as an individual award are authorized to wear the medal. Personnel assigned to an unit which was awarded the medal are authorized to wear the unit award emblem.
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Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Comments Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Criteria:
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to personnel who meet one of the following requirements:
A. Served in the Republic of Vietnam for six month... Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Criteria:
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to personnel who meet one of the following requirements:
A. Served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March 1961 and 28 March 1973.
B. Served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and Armed Forces for six months. Such individuals must meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service Medal, to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
C. Six months service is not required for individuals who were wounded by hostile forces; killed in action or otherwise in line of duty; or captured by hostile forces.
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Description Apr 4 – 21; 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines search and destroy operation in the Thừa ThiêApr 4 – 21; 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines search and destroy operation in the Thừa Thiên Province.... More
Memories SSgt. Charles Burnett served as a Platoon Commander (0302) with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines frSSgt. Charles Burnett served as a Platoon Commander (0302) with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines from 5Apr67, to 11Apr67, during Operation Big Horn in the vicinity of Thuan Thien, South Vietnam.
Operation Big Horn was a Search and Destroy operation.... More
Operation Prairie IV was sweeping the area southwest of Con Thien. On 28 May 3/4 Marines ran into a bunker complex on Hill 174, 6 km southwest of Con Thien. Companies M and L attacked the complex but were forced back by small arms, machine guns, 57mm recoilless rifle and 82mm mortars for the loss of 2 Marines KIA and 21 wounded. Artillery hit the hill throughout the night and the next day Companies M and I attacked the hill, suffering 5 KIA and 33 wounded without driving the NVA from the crest of the hill.
Companies M and I attacked unsuccessfully again on 30 May suffering 1 KIA and 45 wounded. The NVA abandoned the hill during the night of 30/31 May. Operation Prairie IV resulted in 505 NVA killed and 8 captured for 164 Marines KIA and 1240 wounded.... More
Memories SSgt. Charles Burnett served as Platoon Commander with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines during OperSSgt. Charles Burnett served as Platoon Commander with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines during Operation Prairie IV, from 20Apr67 to 14May67, in the vicinity of Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.
During the combat action of Operation Prairie IV, SSgt. Burnett was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire. He died outright. His body was recovered the same day, 14May67.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of politicalThis campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of political, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew.
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Memories SSgt. Burnett participated as a Platoon Sgt. with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines, in Operaration SSgt. Burnett participated as a Platoon Sgt. with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines, in Operaration Prairie III, from 2Apr67 to 4Apr67, in the vicinity of Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.
From 12Apr67 to 19Apr67, SSgt. Burnett served as Platoon Commander (0302) with Delta Company, 1stBn, 9th Marines during Operation Prairie III.
Operation Prairie III, was a Search and Destroy operation. ... More
Other Memories
Sgt. Burnett served as an NCO School instructor teaching Instructor Tactics in H&S Co, 2ndITR, MCB Camp Pendleton from 26Oct65 to 06Dec65.
Sgt. Burnett served as an instructor in ACR Co. 2nd ITR from 07Dec65 to 31Jan66.
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments National Defense Service Medal
Criteria:
A. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service for any period between:
27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954;
01 January 1961 and 14 Aug... National Defense Service Medal
Criteria:
A. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service for any period between:
27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954;
01 January 1961 and 14 August 1974;
02 August 1990 and 30 November 1995;
11 September 2001 and;
A closing date to be determined.
For the purpose of the award, the following persons will not be considered as performing active service:
(1) Guard and Reserve forces personnel on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.
(2) Any person on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.
(3) Any person on temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations or on active duty for purposes other than extended active duty.
(4) A one time only exception, for members of the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve, who were part of the selected reserve in good standing, was authorized, per executive orders 12778, dated 18 October 1991, for the period 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995.
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Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Comments Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Criteria:
Awarded to any enlisted member of the Marine Corps completing three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service".
Such service implies that a standard... Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Criteria:
Awarded to any enlisted member of the Marine Corps completing three consecutive years of "honorable and faithful service".
Such service implies that a standard enlistment was completed without any non-judicial punishments, disciplinary infractions, or court martial offenses.
If a service member commits an offense, the three-year mark "resets" and a service member must perform an additional three years of discipline free service before the Marine Corps Good Conduct may be authorized.
The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal was first issued in 1896 and was originally a ribbon and medal suspended from a clasp bearing the words "U.S. Marine Corps". The clasp was eliminated after 1935 and the medal has remained unchanged in appearance since that time.
Enlistment bars, showing each honorable period of service, were used until 1953 when the Marine Corps adopted service stars to denote additional awards of the Good Conduct Medal.
Attachments:
Bronze Star Device indicating 2nd and subsequent awards.
Silver Star Device replaces the bronze star device on the 5th award and every 5th subseqent award.
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Criteria The Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon was awarded by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for each ten year period of honorable military service in the Marine Corps Reserve between December 17, 1945, and Dece... The Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon was awarded by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for each ten year period of honorable military service in the Marine Corps Reserve between December 17, 1945, and December 17, 1965. MoreHide
Description
Charles C. Burnett Jr. served in the Marine Corps Reserve from:
Sgt. Burnett was stationed aboard the USS Constellation from 06Fen66 to 24Feb67, as Sgt. of the Guard.
During his service aboard the Constellation, the ship participated in the South China Sea/the Gulf of Tonkin Operations to include air strikes on targets in North and South Vietnam.