The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross Posthumously to Sergeant Charlie Foster MCSN 881584, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division Reinforced, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 6 November 1950. Spearheading his platoon’s assault against a numerically superior enemy, heavily reinforced with machine guns and occupying well-concealed positions on the crest of a ridge, Sergeant Foster pressed his attack with aggressive determination, inspiring his men to follow and fight their way through a vicious hail of hostile fire until they had reached the ridge-top. Then, reorganizing the unit for a final assault against the fanatical enemy, he took the lead and successfully launched a fierce onslaught, moving confidently through the terrific volume of small-arms, mortar, machine-gun and grenade fire hurled by the desperate hostile force, maneuvering his men over the jagged terrain, and neutralizing the enemy machine guns which had delayed the friendly advance. Finally, with the accomplishment of his objective in view, and an enemy rout virtually assured, Sergeant Foster fell mortally wounded. His superb courage, determined leadership and valiant fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Authority Board of Awards Serial 1132 November 1, 1951
Chattanooga Daily Times, 1 December 1954
Funeral services for Sgt. Charlie Foster, 25, U.S. Marine Corps, will be held at the Bryan Funeral Home chapel. Sgt. Foster, who had been in the service fors even years, was killed in Korea Nov. 6, 1950. Prior to joining the Marines he was employed by the Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Gussie Scroggins and Miss Gladys Foster of Chattanooga; three brothers, Sgt. George Foster, U.S. Army; Harding Foster, Norfolk, Va., and Raymond Foster, Chattanooga; two half sisters, Mrs. Mattie Braden and Bertie Anne Braden; a half brother, Junior Braden; and stepfather G.W. Braden of this city.
- Rank: Sergeant
- Date of birth: 27 February 1925
- Date of death: 6 November 1950
- County: Hamilton
- Hometown: Chattanooga
- Service Branch: Marine Corps
- Division/Assignment: 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
- Conflict: Korean War
- Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XX, Middle Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Charles Foster
Image Gallery
Click a thumbnail below to view at full size.
