Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Boilerman Second Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CVA-20)

    Action Date:

    April 27, 1953

    Commander Air Atlantic: Serial 05/14242 (August 10, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boilerman Second Class Lynus Arthur Babel (NSN: 2746686), United States Navy, for heroism while serving in U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CVA-20), on 27 April 1953 as Petty Officer in Charge of the Watch of Number One Fire Room. Boilerman Second Class Babel displayed exceptionally fine judgment, determination and efficiency above and beyond that normally expected during a major material casualty to the Number Two Boiler. The U.S.S. BENNINGTON, while operating off the coast of Guantanamo, Cuba, on 27 April 1953, sustained a major boiler casualty in the Number One Fire Room which resulted in his duty station becoming completely filled with steam. He, as the sole survivor of the Fire Room, displayed unusually fine judgment, and outstanding determination and efficiency under adverse conditions by attempting to re-enter the damaged fire room through the escape trunk, but when unable to do so because of the extreme heat, proceeded immediately to and secured the remote control steam valves, thus isolating Number One Boiler. His perseverance and devotion to duty at this critical time, and his complete disregard for personal safety, was totally responsible for preventing and reducing personnel casualties and serious material damage to the engineering plant of his ship. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.