Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    168th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1944

    War Department, General Orders No. 7, February 1, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) William Wylie Galt (ASN: 0-446805), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 29 May 1944, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action at Villa Crocetta, Italy. Captain Galt, Battalion S3, at a particularly critical period following two unsuccessful attacks by his battalion, of his own volition went forward and ascertained just how critical the situation was. He volunteered, at the risk of his life, personally to lead the battalion against the objective. When the lone remaining tank destroyer refused to go forward, Captain Galt jumped on the tank destroyer and ordered it to precede the attack. As the tank destroyer moved forward, followed by a company of riflemen, Captain Galt manned the .30-caliber machinegun in the turret of the tank destroyer, located and directed fire on an enemy 77-mm. anti-tank gun, and destroyed it. Nearing the enemy positions, Captain Galt stood fully exposed in the turret, ceaselessly firing his machinegun and tossing hand grenades into the enemy zigzag series of trenches despite the hail of sniper and machinegun bullets ricocheting off the tank destroyer. As the tank destroyer moved, Captain Galt so maneuvered it that 40 of the enemy were trapped in one trench. When they refused to surrender, Captain Galt pressed the trigger of the machinegun and dispatched every one of them. A few minutes later an 88-mm. shell struck the tank destroyer and Captain Galt fell mortally wounded across his machinegun. He had personally killed 40 Germans and wounded many more. Captain Galt pitted his judgment and superb courage against overwhelming odds, exemplifying the highest measure of devotion to his country and the finest traditions of the U.S. Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    168th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (1943)

    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) William Wylie Galt (ASN: 0-446805), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy during the period from September to November 1944. When his company encountered an enemy minefield, disregarding his own safety, First Leutenant Galt crawled on his hands and knees ahead of his men, feelig out a safe passage. His action was responsible for saving many lives. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Galt, 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.