Week of July 7-11: The Museum will be closing early at 3pm each day this week to accommodate glass replacement in the entry rotunda.  Please pardon our mess during this construction.Hours, Directions And Parking
  • Plan your visit
    VISITTicket Packages and Offers
    VISITPlan a Group Visit
  • Explore All exhibits and events
    EXHIBITMoments of Action
    Free Teacher DaysNews
  • Explore All Recipients Stories
    EXHIBITMore Than a Medal
  • Ways to Get Involved
    BECOME A MEMBEREnjoy Year-Round Free Admission
    PRESSROOMAwarding Seven New Medals of Honor
  • Museum Map
  • Contact
  • Search
U.S. Air ForceAwarded Posthumously
Loring Jr., Charles Joseph

ConflictKorean War
Rank
Year Of Action1952
Unit/Command80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force
HometownPortland, Maine

Citation

Maj. Loring distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading a night of 4 F-80 type aircraft on a close support mission, Maj. Loring was briefed by a controller to dive-bomb enemy gun positions which were harassing friendly ground troops. After verifying the location of the target, Maj. Loring rolled into his dive bomb run. Throughout the run, extremely accurate ground fire was directed on his aircraft. Disregarding the accuracy and intensity of the ground fire, Maj. Loring aggressively continued to press the attack until his aircraft was hit. At approximately 4,000 feet, he deliberately altered his course and aimed his diving aircraft at active gun emplacements concentrated on a ridge northwest of the briefed target, turned his aircraft 45 degrees to the left, pulled up in a deliberate, controlled maneuver, and elected to sacrifice his life by diving his aircraft directly into the midst of the enemy emplacements. His selfless and heroic action completely destroyed the enemy gun emplacement and eliminated a dangerous threat to United Nations ground forces. Maj. Loring’s noble spirit, superlative courage, and conspicuous self-sacrifice in inflicting maximum damage on the enemy exemplified valor of the highest degree and his actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Air Force.

Branch: U.S. Air ForceConflict: Korean WarYear of Action: 1952
More On Charles Joseph Loring Jr.

Explore Fellow Recipients

See the recipients that share the same branch of service or conflict as Charles Joseph Loring Jr.
Label

View all Recipients
The Medal

A Medal Steeped in History

Uncover the inspiring legacy, symbolism, and selection criteria of the Medal of Honor.


EXPLORE THE MEDAL
A Medal Steeped in History
Exhibits

THE RING OF VALOR

Step into the heart of the Museum and surround yourself with stories of courage and sacrifice.


VIEW EXHIBIT DETAILS
THE RING OF VALOR
Buy Tickets
Become a Member
Donate 
to the Museum