Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 79500

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lionel Huffaker (MCSN: 894657), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 22 May 1945. When his platoon urgently needed water and ammunition, Private Huffaker volunteered to work his way through heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire and obtain the supplies from a dump. After leading a carrying party back to his position, he again braved the heavy fire to guide a machine gun squad to a firing position. Met by intense rifle and automatic fire which wounded all members of his squad, he calmly administered first aid to the wounded men and, although still under fire, carried them to protected positions for evacuation by stretcher. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.