Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Radarman Second Class

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Radarman Second Class William Dwight Alford (NSN: B-317044), United States Navy, for heroism on 25 October 1968 while serving as leading petty officer in training patrol “RED VICTOR” at Camp Hardy, Okinawa. Petty Officer Alford’s patrol was simulating an attack on a designated objective when one of six live grenades, which were to be thrown simultaneously, was accidentally dropped by one of the grenadiers. Without hesitation, Petty Officer Alford pushed the man adjacent to himself down a slope and, with total disregard for his own safety, hurled himself upon the grounded missile, absorbing practically the entire concussion from the ensuing explosion with his own body. Petty Officer Alford’s extraordinary courage, quick thinking, and willingness to sacrifice his own life to save his companions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.