Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    90th Attack Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 27, 1931

    War Department, General Orders No. 6 (1931)

    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 John B. Smith (ASN: 6360521), United States Army Air Corps, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with 90th Attack Squadron, displayed at the airdrome, Fort Crockett, Galveston, Texas, 27 January 1931. While stacking ammunition boxes in the target building, Private Smith observed a low-flying airplane approaching the building. Immediately warning two fellow soldiers who were working in the same building, they attempted to escape, but before reaching the doorway the airplane struck the roof, crashed to the ground, and burst into flames. Although dazed by being struck by flying debris and injured when an ammunition box dropped on his foot, Private Smith, realizing that there was immediate danger of the gasoline tank exploding, went to the assistance of the pilot, who was fastened to his seat, and finding his foot caught by the rudder bar, reached in and unlaced his shoe, thereby permitting his release, and assisted in removing him to a place of safety.