Navy Federal Credit Union

Max Sullivan initially served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. After being discharged he attended Southern Illinois University for two years, and then earned his bachelor degree in Liberal Arts from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1960. He was ordained by the Lutheran Church of American after finishing studies at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Illinois, in 1965. He pastored Saint Mark Lutheran Parish in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for three years, and in 1968 enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was commissioned as a chaplain. In retirement he was a member of Our Lord’s Lutheran Church in Maryville, and in his free time enjoyed his days of playing pool and volunteering at John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    20th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    June 10, 1969

    Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 6084 (July 4, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Max Dan Sullivan, United States Army, for gallantry In action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chaplain Sullivan distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 10 June 1969, while serving as Chaplain with the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division. On that date, Company A was conducting a series of combat sweeps near Landing Zone LIZ when it came under intense fire from an enemy force of undetermined size and sustained several casualties. After the initial burst of enemy fire, Chaplain Sullivan moved from his secure position into the hostile fire to reach the wounded men. Despite the enemy fire impacting all around him, Chaplain Sullivan moved to a seriously wounded soldier and applied first aid which saved the man’s life. Refusing to take cover, Chaplain Sullivan remained in the hostile area, moving from man to man while administering first aid and offering words of encouragement and comfort. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Chaplain Sullivan exposed himself to enemy gunners to help carry the wounded across 400 meters of an open area to a secure landing zone for evacuation. He then moved back to the fire fight and continued to aid the besieged unit. His indomitable will and personal courage were an inspiration to the men of the company as they repulsed the numerically superior enemy force. Chaplain Sullivan’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.