Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    Imperial Iranian Army, Mountain Training Center,

    Action Date:

    January 31 – February 1, 1962

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 26 (June 14, 1963)

    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 Amir Shahghadami, Imperial Iranian Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy during the period 31 January to 6 February 1962, in West Central Iran. When a United States Army aircraft crashed on a rugged snow covered mountain peak in West Central Iran, air reconnaissance indicated there were survivors. The crash site was approximately 12,500 feet in altitude and was characterized by freezing temperatures, snow ranging from six to forty feet deep, sudden and frequent violent storms, and the constant danger of avalanches. With full knowledge of the great risk to his own personal safety, Sergeant Shahghadami unhesitatingly volunteered to be flown to the area by helicopter to participate in the effort to evacuate the victims. After a hazardous landing on the mountain top, he and his comrades bravely fought through the heavy snow and bitter cold to reach the survivors. The difficulty in moving in the deep snow was intensified by the lack of oxygen due to the high altitude and demanded superhuman effort, energy, and perseverance. Through his determination and courage, Sergeant Shahghadami greatly assisted in the rescue of the two survivors. His unselfish and courageous action in this emergency reflects great credit upon himself and the Imperial Iranian Army and is symbolic of the strong bond that exists between the governments of the United States and Iran.