Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Action Date:

    January 20, 1978

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Edward Francis Brinkert, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a Military Policeman, Military Police Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California on 20 January 1978. Responding to a frantic call from the Naval Regional Medical Center about a patient who had gone berserk and was attacking and stabbing other persons, Corporal Brinkert arrived in time to observe a nurse being pursued by a large, naked man armed with a pair of scissors. Corporal Brinkert, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly stepped between the two in an attempt to distract the attention of the attacker to himself. Disregarding the command to “freeze”, the assailant relentlessly continued his attack forcing Corporal Brinkert to fire his weapon in an attempt to disable the man. Despite being struck several times, the assailant continued his attack until overcome by his wounds. Corporal Brinkert’s calm and courageous actions in the face of great personal danger undoubtedly saved the life of the nurse; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.