Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Pharmacist’s Mate

    Division:

    U.S.S. Neosho (AO-23)

    Action Date:

    May 7 – 8, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 328 (July 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate William J. Ward (NSN: 4074754), United States Navy, for heroic conduct while serving as a Medical Corpsman aboard the US NEOSHO (AO-23), during the Coral Sea battle, 7 – 8 May 1942. In the absence of the Medical Officer, who was among those missing, Chief Petty Officer Ward, was unceasing in his administration of assistance to the injured. The lives of those now recovering were undoubtedly saved by Chief Petty Officer Ward’s ability, energy and care. His performance of duty was particularly outstanding when it is considered that he was working in the open, on a listed ship, without adequate equipment, and surrounded by fuel oil and contamination. His skill, resourcefulness, untiring efforts, constant vigilance, and cheerful giving of himself without rest resulted in keeping the injured personnel alive and comfortable until they were turned over to the Medical Officer of the U.S.S. Henley for treatment.