Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    December 20, 1945

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 28 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Louis Testa, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Balucanad, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 20 December 1944. Private First Class Testa evacuated a section sergeant who had been wounded when the Japanese attempted to take a mortar emplacement, and exposed himself to heavy gunfire, first to assist a rifle company, and then to lead two rifle squads back to the besieged emplacement where their burst of fire stunned the enemy and caused a break in the attack, permitting the section wo withdraw from the exposed position. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    March 29, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 74 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Louis Testa, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces near Malvar, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 March 1945. A truck driver, during an enemy attack, Private First Class Testa became a rifleman and engaged the enemy firing his rifle at the advancing enemy until he had expended all of his ammunition. Then he took some hand grenades and rushed forward under fire. He threw hand grenades into a defiladed enemy position along a railroad embankment. After returning to his troop’s perimeter for more grenades, he advanced to within 15 feet of a Japanese mortar position where his accurate grenade-throwing put the weapon out of operation by killing or driving off the crew. Private First Class Testa made three additional forays delivering the grenades to the place where they would do the most good and thereby made a major contribution toward repelling the enemy attack. Private First Class Testa’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.