Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)

    Action Date:

    August 9, 2009

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) ***** *****, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Mission Support Site Commander for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 9 August 2009. While leading a small element in support of a large conventional operation, his position came under an intense coordinated attack. After enemy sniper fire wounded his team’s medic, Chief Petty Officer ***** courageously exposed himself to direct enemy fire to assess and drag the medic to safety. Meanwhile, a building being used for ordnance storage had been penetrated by a burning rocket-propelled grenade causing a major fire. With a catastrophic explosion imminent, he initiated an evacuation of the firebase before making repeated trips into the building to remove crates of ordnance in order to access the smoldering and un-detonated warhead, which he removed with his bare hands. After throwing the crates of ordnance over the compound wall, he realized they still posed a threat. While in full view of the enemy and under fire, Chief Petty Officer ***** exited the compound, moved 25 meters towards the crates, and made multiple trips to a river to dispose of the ordnance. His repeated heroic actions and decisive leadership, under fire, saved the lives of United States Soldiers and several Afghan elders and prevented the sole hardened structure in the village from being breached. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer ***** reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.