THE WALL OF FACES

Major Finney is my brother-in-law. My husband and I are extremely humbled to read all the wonderful sentiments and remembrances each of you so kindly, reverently and lovingly submitted honoring our beloved Charles.
He was a true patriot, uniquely gifted, intelligent and talented in so many ways, but above all, he was loved, respected and admired by all who had the pleasure to have known him.
Thank you all so very much for loving him as we do, and for your love and support for our family. It means more than you can ever imagine.

Today I purchased your bracelet. Even after all these years there are people who remember you and are so thankful for your sacrifice. Rest in peace and know that you are never forgotten.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am heartened you returned home though I wish it had been under very different circumstances. May you rest in eternal peace.

Major Charles Elbert Finney, Served with Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron 533 (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Charles Elbert Finney

Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Charles Elbert Finney (MCSN: 0-94692), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Bombardier/Navigator with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy. On the night of 17 March 1969, Captain Finney launched aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned an armed reconnaissance mission over a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the target was a truck park, well protected by several anti-aircraft gun positions in the vicinity. Skillfully navigating the Intruder to the target area, he ignored the intense hostile fire impacting about his aircraft as he calmly provided bomb release data which enabled the pilot to commence a determined attack, delivering the bombs on target and destroying the majority of the many vehicles in the park. While fearlessly engaged in this dangerous mission, his plane was crippled by enemy fire and crashed on the guns which had disabled it. Captain Finney's courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.