Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    13th Field Artillery

    Action Date:

    April 21, 1933

    War Department, General Orders No. 1 (1934)

    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 Captain (Field Artillery) Howell Redd Hanson, United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with the 13th Field Artillery, from drowning at Mokuleia, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on the evening of 21 April 1933. When the boat in which they were riding capsized on a surf-swept coral reef, Private Kaye who was unable to swim ashore clung to the overturned boat while his companion swam ashore to summon aid. In response to the call for help, Captain Hanson and three companions, at great risk of their lives, went to the rescue in two small rowboats. In the darkness and heavy surf both boats were swamped and the rescue party swept out to sea making their way back with difficulty. Nevertheless, they persisted in their efforts of rescue and, after several hours of perilous effort, working in darkness and rough sea, succeeded in getting a line to the capsized boat and bringing Private Kaye safely to shore.