Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    September 5, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Willard Fiske Lochridge, IV (MCSN: 0-92140), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 3d Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 September 1966. Commanding a platoon of tanks in support of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment, Second Lieutenant Lochridge’s unit encountered two companies of well entrenched Viet Cong Regulars. Under intensive small arms, heavy automatic and anti-tank fire, the Company’s lead platoon sustained several casualties. Second Lieutenant Lochridge immediately maneuvered his tanks to aid in transporting the wounded to a landing zone for evacuation, then delivered protective fire for the helicopters to land. While leading the advance units of the Company on a second assault of the enemy’s fortifications, the force again came under intense enemy fire. His tank was struck by .57-mm recoilless fire which wounded and temporarily blinded him. With immediate reaction and despite his wound, Second Lieutenant Lochridge continued his attack against the anti-tank weapon and promptly neutralized it with fire from his armored vehicle. Through the highly accurate firepower of the tanks, the Company was successful in penetrating the enemy’s positions, receiving credit for twenty-three confirmed enemy dead found in the trenchline. By his exemplary leadership, calm reaction under fire, unrelenting devotion to duty, and his aggressive fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Lochridge upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Tank Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    September 7, 1966 – April 3, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Willard Fiske Lochridge, IV (MCSN: 0-92140), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Civil Affairs Officer, First Tank Battalion, FMF, FIRST Marine Division from 7 September 1966 to 3 April 1967 when that unit was engaged in combat against communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Civil Affairs Officer, First Lieutenant Lochridge consistently and untiringly performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, exhibiting great competence, judgment, resourcefulness and professional skill. First Lieutenant Lochridge worked diligently to accomplish pacification tasks in a wide variety of programs designed, by himself, to achieve rapport and empathy with the Vietnamese people. While accomplishing these tasks he simultaneously was planning, directing and coordinating the many logistical aspects of the Civic Action projects designed to promote the well being of the people and create a meaningful standard of self-sufficiency to some 12,000 Vietnamese in a fifty-square-mile area. First Lieutenant Lochridge’s unique, aggressive and inspiring approach to the Revolutionary Development programs generated an atmosphere among the Vietnamese villagers that contributed immeasurably to denying subversive and terrorist Viet Cong activities within the FIRST Marine Division’s Southern Rear Sector. His continuous effort to devise programs to assist the Vietnamese in achieving self-sufficiency required constant coordination with U.S. and Vietnamese Military and governmental agencies. First Lieutenant Lochridge distinguished himself in leadership and advisory roles in the vast pacification programs as well as actively and successfully leading numerous patrols and sweeps destined to root out Viet Cong terrorists and cadre leaders. By his leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Lochridge upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (First Lieutenant Lochridge is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)