Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Missile Battalion

    Regiment:

    43d Artillery

    Action Date:

    September 8, 1958

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 41 (November 16, 1961)

    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 James L. Guffey, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery A, 1st Missile Battalion (NIKE-HERCULES), 43rd Artillery, in the vicinity of Airway Heights, Washington, on 8 September 1958. When two B-52 aircraft collided in midair and crashed, Sergeant Guffey, observing that one of the planes was instantly engulfed by flames, ran immediately to the other which was more intact and not on fire at ground impact. Upon his arrival at the scene, however, this aircraft also burst into flames. Without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, he entered the burning wreckage, extinguished the burning clothing of an unconscious crewmember, and assisted in evacuating the seriously injured victim to safety. With full knowledge that the aircraft gasoline tanks might explode at any moment, he re-entered the blazing wreckage and, discovering another crew man aflame, extinguished the burning clothing on that victim. The courageous presence of mind and outstanding heroism displayed by Sergeant Guffey in this hazardous situation are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.