After completing four years U.S. Army enlisted service, Colonel Charles P. Tappero was commissioned in the USAF. He spent more than 24 years in Combat Control serving as the commander of the JSOC special tactics unit and commander of the combat control squadron in theater during Desert Storm.

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

THE VIETNAM WAR - SOUTHEAST ASIA - REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

CHARLES P. TAPPERO

By direction of the commander, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Sergeant Charles P. Tappero, E Company, 52nd Infantry, Long Range Patrol, is awarded the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

While conducting a reconnaissance patrol on 30 April 1968, in the Ah Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant Taperos's five man squad engaged a large enemy resupply operation. During the close quarters fire fight two soldiers were severely wounded.

Ignoring his own wounds, Sergeant Tappero repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while carrying the two wounded men to a defensive position. He then proceeded to call in air strikes within twenty five meters of his location that were credited with disrupting a major enemy resupply effort.

Sergeant Tappero's quick thinking and disregard for his won safety were instrumental in keeping his two wounded comrades alive until reinforcements and medical evacuation arrived.

Sergeant Tappero's heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Army.

Sergeant Tappero received a SECOND Silver Star Medal in Vietnam that is not yet available.