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Charles M. Earnest
Commander
VA-75, CVW-3, USS SARATOGA, TF 77, 7TH FLEET United States Navy Opelika, Alabama October 08, 1934 to November 28, 1972 CHARLES M EARNEST is on the Wall at Panel W1, Line 92 See the full profile or name rubbing for Charles Earnest |
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I requested Charles' bracelet because we shared the same last name. I've never been able to see a photo of him nor contact any of his family or anyone who knew him. I would love to know more about who he was.
Forever thankful for those who served,
Joann Richards |
CDR Charlie M. Earnest Memorial
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I remember Commander Earnest that November day in 1972. I was working the flight deck and I can still see his aircraft going into the water. He would always take time to talk with the men on the deck. He would give you a smile which would make your day complete. Some of us still see your face often. We do miss you. Rest well, my friend.
Mark E. McAllister |
I was a Photographer's Mate on the SARA and I too remember when Commander Earnest went down. He was an impressive leader who always had time to recognize the enlisted men as an important link in the dangerous environment that war brings. I will always remember his smile and his care to always say "Thank You" following the many shots that I took of him.
From a friend, |
Commander Earnest was my first Squadron Commander after joining VA-75 five days before the 1972 Vietnam cruise. Working in maintenance control office as an AZ, and with the AO crew on the flight deck during the cruise, I had a lot of chances to interact with the officers of the squadron. Commander Earnest had a reputation within the squadron of being a decent officer and a nice guy - his demise was both a shock and a very sad time. As an officer, we considered him "one of the good ones".
Rick Hartman |
Notes from The Virtual WallCommander Charles M. Earnest, Commanding Officer, Attack Squadron 75, was lost at sea when his aircraft (A-6A BuNo 155622) crashed after a night catapult shot. His bombardier/navigator, LCDR Grady Jackson, was able to get out of the plane and was rescued.A memorial service was held aboard USS SARATOGA on 01 Dec 1972. The text below is taken from the memorial service booklet:
Commander EARNEST entered flight training in the Fall of 1956 and was designated a Naval Aviator in May 1958. Commander EARNEST's first squadron was VAW-33 where he flew the AD-5N SKYRAIDER and made Mediterranean deployments aboard USS INDEPENDENCE, USS SARATOGA, and USS INTREPID.
In August 1962, Commander EARNEST was ordered to duty as aide and Flag Lieutenant to Commander Training Command, Atlantic Fleet. In 1964, he attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California where he was a Distinguished Graduate earning a Masters Degree in Operations Research.
In November 1966, he joined VA-153, completing two combat deployments flying the A-4 SKYHAWK. In June 1969 he reported to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and served as an Analyst for Air Force, Navy, and Army Tactical Programs. Commander EARNEST reported to VA-75 as Executive Officer in May of 1971 and assumed command of VA-75 in June 1972.
During his career, Commander EARNEST has been awarded the Silver Star, 7 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, 38 Air Medals, 6 Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Unit Commendation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star. During his three deployments to the Western Pacific he flew 371 combat missions.
Commander EARNEST is survived by his wife, Minna, and two sons, Brad and Bryan.
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