Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Action Date:

    March 18, 1944

    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 Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) Harley A. Stewart, United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, at Bonita Point, Fort Barry, California, on 18 March 1944. On that date, the body of a soldier who had been missing from the battery was observed lying at the base of a sheer cliff 270-feet in height. It was not known whether the soldier was dead, or unconscious from injuries. Approach to the site by seas was impossible. At great personal risk, without ropes or other device, Captain Stewart voluntarily descended the cliff in the hope of rendering first aid. Finding the soldier dead, he ascended the cliff and procured Coast Guard assistance to recover the body. The heroism displayed by Captain Stewart on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.