Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    24th Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Edward L. Rodda (MCSN: 307889), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1 February 1944. Landing with an isolated boat group and pushing toward the initial landing team objective, Corporal Rodda courageously carried out alert and aggressive reconnaissance missions, making timely discoveries of Japanese positions and forcing the enemy to retreat in the face of his prompt, accurate fire. Upon reorganization of his group on the Battalion objective, he unhesitatingly made his way forward in an attempt to assist two wounded Marines to the rear of the front lines and, after dragging one of them a short distance back, was returning to aid the other when he was instantly killed by a Japanese sniper. Corporal Rodda’s great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of the helpless men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.