Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Action Date:

    August 28, 1961

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 55 (September 25, 1962)

    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 Walter F. Tiefenauer, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 1st Missiles Battalion (CORPORAL), 40th Artillery, 3d Guided Missile Group, 1st Guided Missile Brigade, United states Army Air Defense Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, on 28 August 1961, at Orogrande Range Camp, New Mexico. Two enlisted men who were working with a CORPORAL Guided Missile Erector accidentally erected the boom into electrical wiring that carried 13,000 volts. When Sergeant Tiefenauer heard loud cracking noises and saw smoke coming from that area, he immediately rushed to the scene. Upon his arrival, he noticed that electrical sparks were shooting to the ground from the body of one of the soldiers. Realizing the extreme danger involved, he shouted to other approaching personnel not to touch the stricken soldier. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he then grabbed the rubber coated cable that was attached to the erector and the remote control box, and pulled the highly charged box from beneath the victim. Sergeant Tiefenauer’s presence of mind, determination, and courageous action in this emergency are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army, and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.