Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Chief Ordnanceman

    Action Date:

    1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Chief Ordnanceman James Buford Williford, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in running to the scene of an airplane crash at the Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, and assisting in extricating the pilot from the burning cockpit during World War II. Though burned by flames and injured by the exploding ammunition of the plane’s guns, he persisted in his effort until the pilot, who later succumbed, was clear of the wreckage.