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Charles Humphrey Keating IV
Charles Keating IV
Born (1985-02-01)February 1, 1985
Died May 3, 2016(2016-05-03) (aged 31)
Place of birth Phoenix, Arizona
Place of death Arbil, Iraq
Buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery San Diego, California
Allegiance US flag 34 stars United States of America
Service/branch U.S. Navy
Rank Chief Petty Officer(posthumously)
Battles/wars War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Iraq War
Awards Silver Star
Bronze Star Medal

Charles Humphrey Keating IV (February 1, 1985 – May 3, 2016) was a United States Navy sailor and Navy SEAL operator. He was the third American service member to be killed while fighting ISIL in Iraq, in 2016. His father, Charles Humphrey Keating III was an American former competitive swimmer and real estate executive.

Biography[]

Charles Keating IV was born to Charles Keating III on February 1, 1985 in Phoenix, Arizona.[1] In 2004 he graduated from Arcadia High School in Phoenix.[2] Keating's family had a long history of participating in competitive sports. His father, Charles Keating III, was an American former competitive swimmer who represented the United States in swimming at the 1976 Summer Olympics.[3] His Grandfather, Keating II, won the national college championship in the 200-yard breaststroke at the NCAA swimming and diving championships in 1946.[3] They are also related to four-time Olympic Medalist Gary Hall, Sr., and ten-time medalist Gary Hall, Jr.

During high school Charles Keating IV participated in sports as well, making a name for himself in his Junior and Senior years as a champion runner.[2] After graduating high school he attended Indiana University and was accepted to the track team for the 2004-05 season.[2]

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks he decided he wanted to join the military and become a Navy SEAL.[2] He was killed in action May 3, 2016 in Arbil, Iraq.[1] He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California and his grave can be found in Section M, Site 66.[1]

Awards and decorations[]

U.S. military decorations
Navy cross
Navy Cross
Silver Star BAR Silver Star
V
Bronze Star ribbon
Bronze Star with Combat "V"
Purple Heart BAR Purple Heart
Gold star
Gold star
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal ribbon
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal ribbon Army Achievement Medal
Gold star
Combat Action Ribbon
Combat Action Ribbon
Bronze star
U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medal ribbon
Good Conduct Medal
U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons
National Defense Service Medal ribbon National Defense Service Medal
Bronze star
Afghanistan Campaign ribbon
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Bronze star
Bronze star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
United States Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device Navy Rifle Marksmanship Badge
United States Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device Navy Pistol Marksmanship Badge
U.S. badges, patches and tabs
US Navy SEALs insignia SEAL Trident
United States Navy Parachutist Badge Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia

Silver Star citation[]

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Charles Humphrey Keating, IV, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 4 March 2016, while serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor, Trident 1125A, SEAL Team ONE I in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Petty Officer Keating's courageous leadership, tactical acumen, and physical courage were the key factors in defeating an assault on friendly lines by more than 100 enemy fighters. After directing partner nation troops in repelling the enemy's initial incursion, he coordinated with the immediate reaction force and continued engaging enemy fighters. He continually exposed himself to enemy automatic weapon, mortar, and rocket propelled grenade fire as he diligently maneuvered between the front and flanks of the defensive fighting position to stop enemy advances and keep friendly forces accurately informed of the unfolding situation. When the enemy attempted to flank his position with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, Petty Officer Keating led a team to intercept and neutralize the threat with precise sniper and rocket fire. His personal bravery inspired his comrades to vigorously defend their position and repel the enemy assault. He continued to train partner forces until mortally wounded by enemy fire during a combat engagement on 3 May 2016. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Keating reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[4]

See also[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Charles Keating IV". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/162105911. Retrieved 10 March 2018. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Barbara Starr; Jeremy Diamond, Emanuella Grinberg and Ryan Browne (May 5, 2016). "Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV gave life rescuing others from ISIS". CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/03/politics/us-service-member-killed-iraq-mosul/index.html. Retrieved 10 March 2018. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Blast from the Past". The Cincinnati Post. E. W. Scripps Company. February 22, 1996. p. C3. https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-72855746.html. Retrieved September 29, 2010. 
  4. "Charles Keating IV". Military Times. http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=307227. Retrieved 10 March 2018. 

External links[]

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