Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 19632 (December 23, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Private First Class Edward Aguilar (MCSN: 276902), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in saving the lives of one officer and four enlisted men who were trapped beneath an amphibious tractor which, en route from ship to shore, had overturned in heavy surf, on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 June 1944. Approaching the beach, the amphibious tractor in which Private First Class Aguilar was embarked overturned as it reached the fringing coral reef and trapped Private First Class Aguilar, one officer, and four enlisted men beneath it. Finding that escape was possible through an opening between the tractor and coral, Private First Class Aguilar freed himself; but he returned underneath the tractor, at great risk to his own life, when he realized that the others had not been able to free themselves, to show them that escape was possible and to lead them to safety. His cool presence of mind and heroic action, without regard for his own safety, were responsible for saving their lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.