Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    6th Armored Infantry Battalion

    Division:

    1st Armored Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 23 (April 14, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Victor W. B. Wales, Jr. (ASN: 0-408060), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Oran, Algeria, North Africa, on 8 November 1942. Lieutenant Wales’ battalion was part of a U.S. Navy anti-sabotage team selected for Operation Reservist, aboard HMS Walney, tasked to infiltrate the harbor of Oran, Algiers, in the early morning hours of 8 November 8, 1942, and secure the port facilities to keep the Vichy French who had control of them from destroying them. Vichy French ships and harbor artillery rained fire on Walney disabling and sinking the vessel at the entrance to the harbor. Lieutenant Wales, although himself wounded by machine gun fire, stayed aboard to help other wounded men over the side. He handed over his own life preserver to a soldier without one and, as the ship foundered, he made it over and began to swim for the shore, grabbing a nearby oar on the way. Encountering a soldier who was struggling to keep his head above water, Lieutenant Wales handed over the oar to him. Although his comrade survived, Lieutenant Wales died of his wounds. First Lieutenant Wales’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.