Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Cavalry)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    February 5, 1945

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 180 (October 1, 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 Captain (Cavalry) Eric D. Berquist (ASN: 0-1030330), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division at Novaliches Dam, Luzon Island, Philippine Islands, on 5 February 1945. Captain Berquist was given the mission of capturing and securing the Novaliches Dam which supplied Manila’s water supply. He advanced with the men of his troop in amphibious tractors to within six hundred yards of the objective whereupon they dismounted and continued on foot. Captain Berquist deployed his men for a frontal and flanking attack, ordered them to hold their positions, and then with four guerrillas personally launched an attack against one of the two positions commanding the high ground overlooking the dam. When the sentry in the tower saw him approaching, he left his post and ran to warn his comrades. Captain Berquist quickly took cover in the tower which put him within easy range of the other outpost. With two shots from his carbine he killed two of the enemy who were manning a machine gun and (Remainder of Citation Missing).