Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 9, 1944

    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 112 (1944)

    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 Richard H. Amidon, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 19 February 1944. When his Infantry Battalion was virtually surrounded by enemy forces and was being subjected to extremely heavy artillery, mortar, and tank fire, Private Amidon, with four other Infantrymen, delivered necessary rations to the battalion command post. Upon reaching the command post, he and another soldier continued under intense machinegun and rifle fire to the position of one of the companies where they distributed rations to the men in their foxholes. When he heard the cries of several wounded soldiers forward of the front lines, he and his companion located the wounded men, placed them in an abandoned truck and successfully evacuated 11 men, 10 of whom survived. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.