Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Acting Corporal

    Action Date:

    February 15, 1959

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Acting Corporal Richard L. Ashnault, United States Marine Corps, for heroism in rescuing a Navy pilot from a burning F8U-1 Crusader aircraft which crashed on take-off at Naval Air Station, Atsugi, Japan, on 15 February 1959. Observing the crash of the F8U-1 aircraft while he was aboard a bus stopped at the end of the duty runway, Acting Corporal (E-3) Ashnault immediately left the bus and ran to the site of the burning aircraft, a distance of about 100 yards. In the face of imminent danger from fire and possible fuel tank explosion, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he assisted Acting Gunnery Sergeant Alfred H. Wells in attempting to open the canopy by the usual and emergency measures, all of which failed due to the aircraft lying on its side welding the canopy shut. After Sergeant Wells had smashed the canopy and failed in his attempt to remove the unconscious pilot, Acting Corporal Ashnault, taking a knife from the Crash Crew, which was engaged in fighting the fire, crawled into the cockpit and cut the harness straps thereby freeing the pilot. Corporal Ashnault and Sergeant Wells then removed the pilot from the burning aircraft. By his prompt and courageous action in risking his own life to save that of another, Acting Corporal (E-3) Ashnault upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.