Corporal Charles H. Brittian, Jr. was born in Atlanta on June 29, 1949. He attended E.A. Ware Elementary School and C.J. Price High School in Atlanta. Following graduation in 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and after training, was assigned to the Third Marine Division in Vietnam.

On 20 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Corporal Brittian was with a patrol near Hill 891 in Quang Tri Province when the rear security guard noticed that the Marines were being followed by hostile soldiers. As soon as contact was made with the enemy, Corporal Brittian’s team set up their machine gun on the trail and immediately began delivering a heavy volume of fire upon the hostile force. Alertly observing three enemy soldiers attempting to crawl toward the Marines, Corporal Brittian opened fire on them and killed one hostile soldier. Returning fire, the enemy damaged the machine gun and wounded Corporal Brittian and the patrol leader.

Undaunted, he steadfastly ignored his painful injury as he obtained a rifle from a companion and then delivered accurate and effective fire upon the advancing hostile soldiers, forcing them to withdraw. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were responsible for saving the life of his wounded patrol leader, who was lying in the path of the advancing enemy. Corporal Brittian was recommended for the Bronze Star and Navy Achievement Medals for these actions.

Subsequently, on 5 June, 1969, while on patrol, Corporal Brittian’s squad was ambushed and came under heavy enemy attack. Corporal Brittian was struck by enemy grenade fragmentation, killing him immediately.

Corporal Brittian’s courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Corporal Charles H. Brittian Jr. is memorialized at Georgia World Congress Center via East Entrance.