Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    76th Artillery

    Action Date:

    November 16, 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 58 (September 24, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant Ronald W. E. Henry, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Service Battery, 3d Battalion, 76 Artillery, during a field training exercise at Vilseck, Germany. On 16 November 1968, in the midst of several loaded ammunition vehicles, a cargo carrier loaded with explosive eight-inch Howitzer projectiles and propellant charges caught fire, presenting an immediate danger to government property and the lives of all personnel in the vicinity. Sergeant Henry, observing the cargo carrier as it burst into flames, spontaneously and with complete disregard for his personal safety, rushed to the cargo carrier and attempted to extinguish the blaze. His fire extinguishers exhausted, he proceeded to offload the 200-pound projectiles never wavering in the face of the intense heat and persistent flames. Sergeant Henry’s assistance in the rapid offloading of the ammunition and the subsequent controlling of the fire prevented possible loss of life and extensive destruction of government property. Sergeant Henry’s heroism and presence of mind are in accord with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon them, the Division, and the United States Army.