Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    135th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 5, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 149 (September 10, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Richard E. McCaffrey, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of San Vittore, Italy, on 5 January 1944. While serving in a machine gun platoon, Sergeant McCaffrey used a bazooka, normally a two-man weapon, to kill two Germans and force two others to flee. Then, armed only with a rifle, he held off a 20-man enemy detail to permit his section to maneuver into position. Sergeant McCaffrey’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.