Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    THIRD U.S. Army

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 55 (March 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Elwin Willms (ASN: 36671724), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 595th Ambulance Company (Motor) (Separate), in action on 19 December 1944, in Belgium. On that date, Private Willms was serving as an ambulance driver, evacuating patients from a threatened clearing station at Lutrobois, Belgium. Although the route of evacuation was under a heavy artillery barrage, this intrepid soldier calmly drove his vehicle to and from the clearing station, completely disregarding his own safety. When a direct artillery hit overturned the ambulance and set it on fire, Private Willms was killed. His conspicuous bravery and courageous, unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and will live on as an inspiration to the men with whom he served.