Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1938

    Decorations U.S. Army 1862 – 1926, Supplement 2 (1939)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private Carson W. Campbell (ASN: 6896121), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while assigned to the 1st Recruit Company, while attempting to rescue two boys from drowning in Long Island Sound, near Fort Slocum, New York, on the evening of 6 April, 1938. During a blinding snowstorm a small boat in which the boys were riding capsized in the rough, icy water about 150 yards from shore, placing them in imminent danger of drowning. Rescue parties were quickly organized and put out to the scene of the accident in two small unseaworthy boats without oarlocks. The occupants of the first boat rescued one of the boys and brought him safely to shore. The second boat manned by Private Campbell and two other soldiers continued to search for the second boy who had disappeared from sight. In spite of the freezing temperature, the driving snow, the heavy sea, and the leaky condition of the boat, they persisted in their efforts of rescue until their boat was on the point of sinking and they themselves were in grave danger of drowning. Although Private Campbell, and his companions were unsuccessful in rescuing the boy, their brave attempt to do so under such adverse circumstances characterizes it as an act of outstanding heroism.