Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Engineman First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Kirk (FF-1087)

    Action Date:

    November 21, 1983

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Engineman First Class Harold Edmund Dunlap (NSN: D-826567), United States Navy, for heroism while serving in U.S.S. KIRK (FF-1087) on 21 November 1983. While transiting the South China Sea, U.S.S. KIRK was informed that a Taiwanese merchant ship, DAI LUNG, was in distress, taking on water, and floundering in 35 – 40 knot winds and 20 – 30 feet seas. U.S.S. KIRK successfully located the endangered vessel, discovered survivors in the water, and promptly initiated rescue and assistance operations. As the Engineer assigned to the rescue motor whaleboat, Petty Officer Dunlap unhesitatingly exposed himself to great danger by reaching over the side of the boat and assisting the rescue swimmers in hoisting the exhausted mariners to safety. Although precipitous seas caused the motor whaleboat to pitch wildly during transfer operations alongside U.S.S. KIRK, Petty Officer Dunlap’s outstanding seamanship and clear-headed actions were instrumental in effecting the safe recovery of personnel and the motor whaleboat. By his courageous and prompt response in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Dunlap undoubtedly saved the merchant sailors from drowning; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.