Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Division:

    1st Special Forces

    Action Date:

    May 26, 1967

    Department of the Army, Permanent Order 294-12 (October 20, 2000

    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 First Class Harold Jacobson, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy, on 26 May 1967, near Lomsak, Thailand. Sergeant First Class Jacobson was aboard a helicopter which had landed in a river to pick up six Thai soldiers and one American who were participating in a training exercise. The first Thai soldier struggled toward the helicopter from the riverbank thirty feet away, but sank under the weight of his combat load. Without hesitation and with selfless disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Jacobson dove into the water and rescued the drowning soldier. After helping him aboard the helicopter, Sergeant Jacobson remained in the water to assist the others. As he was aiding the second Thai soldier, the third man, in a state of panic, grabbed Sergeant Jacobson around the neck from the rear, dragging him under. Sergeant Jacobson struggled to the surface, subdued the terrified Thai, and helped him to the helicopter. He then secured a rope from the helicopter to the riverbank, allowing the remaining personnel to board without incident. Sergeant Jacobson’s calm presence of mine, unselfish courage and heroic actions averted a tragic incident and reflect great credit upon himself, the 46th Special Force Company (Airborne), and the United States Army.