Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    254th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 17, 1945

    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 118 (April 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Horace A. Martin (ASN: 38665201), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. During the attack on the Siegfried Line a strong enemy counterattack, supported by artillery, forced the withdrawal of the entire company. Private First Class Martin, unconscious due to concussion from an enemy grenade, and six other wounded men were taken to an abandoned pillbox for protection. Shortly after Private First Class Martin regained consciousness, his company was forced to withdraw further, but although he realized the possibility of being either captured or killed by the enemy, he refused to go but elected to stay with the wounded men to care for and protect them. This brave and gallant action on the part of Private First Class Martin probably saved the lives of the wounded and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.