Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Squadron (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    17th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    February 15, 1971

    Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 6478 (June 13, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Acklen, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop B, 2d Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Acklen distinguished himself on 15 February 1971 while serving as copilot and gunner of an AH-1G armed helicopter during the extraction of a small reconnaissance team under attack by an unknown size enemy force in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. After volunteering to provide cover fire for the extraction, Captain Acklen piloted his aircraft through adverse weather conditions to the extraction site. There, he began placing accurate suppressive fire on enemy positions surrounding the team so lift helicopters could effect the extraction. Throughout the operation, he informed his aircraft commander of their exact position in relation to the dangerous terrain. Although it was now night and raining, Captain Acklen managed to return by use of instruments only. Captain Acklen’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    506th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1970

    Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3526 (June 20, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Acklen, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in Cambodia. Captain Acklen distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, operationally attached to the 4th Infantry Division. On 12 May 1970, Company C was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission in the Se San area of Cambodia when an enemy village was encountered. Moving forward cautiously, Captain Acklen repeatedly exposed himself to strategically position his men. Pressing on, Captain Acklen courageously assaulted the first enemy hooch, forcing the occupants to flee. Following his example, the friendly element swept across the objective and sent the hostile force into retreat. Captain Acklen’s personal bravery, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.