Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 36 (June 6, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Steven Owen Nussbaumer (ASN: US-56826973), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a Medic with the 2d Platoon, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 1st Armored Division, near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. On 25 August 1968, Specialist Nussbaumer’s troop was heavily engaged with an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion. The infantry unit working with his troop was pinned down due to intense fire. Specialist Nussbaumer noticed that several infantrymen were wounded and not behind any type of cover. Without hesitation, Specialist Nussbaumer jumped off his armored cavalry assault vehicle and charged through the deadly enemy fusillade to a point within 20 meters of the enemy positions to give the severely wounded men aid and carry them back to the relative safety of his vehicle for medical evacuation. Observing several more wounded men lying in exposed positions, Specialist Nussbaumer braved the intense small arms, automatic weapons, and recoilless rifle fire to reach his helpless comrades. Specialist Nussbaumer was fatally wounded during this selfless act of courage and devotion to his fellow soldiers. His extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life saved the lives of two wounded soldiers and inspired his comrades to eventually annihilate the numerically superior enemy force. Specialist Nussbaumer’s actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.