Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    6th Tank Battalion

    Division:

    6th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 14, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 56882

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Alex K. Dahl (MCSN: 425893), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of a Medium Tank of Company A, Sixth Tank Battalion, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 14 May 1945. When an explosion within his tank during a tank attack severely wounded his loader and set the fighting compartment on fire, Corporal Dahl, although suffering from burns, coolly directed the use of fire extinguishers in an attempt to extinguish the flames. After his radio and tank interphone system had burned out and the tank was so full of fumes that it was impossible to guide his driver, he dismounted from his tank and, despite enemy machine-gun, mortar and anti-tank fire, directed his driver by visual signals to defilade. Remounting the tank, he applied first aid to his wounded loader as the tank moved to the rear. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Dahl and the United States Naval Service.