Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Division:

    War Risk Insurance, War Department

    Action Date:

    World War I

    War Department, General Orders No. 49 (1922)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps) David Y. Beckham, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Officer in Charge of War Risk Insurance in the War Department, Colonel Beckham organized, perfected, and directed in a highly efficient manner the system of handling insurance and other relief features of the War Risk Insurance Act. To his tact, vision, marked ability, and loyal devotion to duty is largely due the success attained in the handling of a tremendous amount of business and the insuring of more than 90 per cent of the United States Army.