Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 93 (December 9, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Philip William Wittkopf, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 19 September 1944. The enemy launched an attack in the area of First Lieutenant Wittkopf early in the morning of 19 September 1944. Leaving the company 50 yards behind, he oved up and down the front lines, alerting and encouraging his men. As enemy tanks advanced, he personally selected the position of a tank destroy and directed its fire. During the entire morning and throughout the attack, he remained outside his foxhole to direct the defense, despite terrific shelling. After being wounded in the leg by shrapnel, he refused evacuation and called for mortar fire within 25 yards of his own position to stop the advance of the Germans. He personally killed three enemy with a Tommy Gun, and when the Germans called on his to surrender after four hours of fighting, he replied that he would “die in my tracks first.” Eventually tanks came to reinforce his position and, although his company had been reduced in number by casualties, he launched a counterattack, destroyed the enemy force, and secured the battalion objective. First Lieutenant Wittkopf’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 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Philip William Wittkopf, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with an Infantry Company of the12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations in 1944 and 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.