Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Third Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Manley (DD-940)

    Action Date:

    February 28 & March 2, 1962

    All Hands (February 1964)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Ronald W. Feldman, United States Navy, for heroism on the nights of 28 February and 2 March 1962, while serving on board U.S.S. MANLEY (DD-940), which was then engaged in rescue destroyer operations for U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) off the east coast of the United States. On two separate occasions within 48 hours, Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Feldman unhesitatingly entered treacherous waters to assist in the rescue of injured, downed aviators. Both rescues were effected during complete darkness in heavy seas and high winds. The rescue of 2 March 1962 was further complicated by a below-freezing air temperature and a sea temperature of 40 degrees. After Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Feldman had assisted in bringing the injured aviator aboard, he himself had to be helped aboard, where his frozen clothing was cut away from his body.