Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Corpsman Third Class

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1950

    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced) FMF: Serial 3312 (February 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Leland G. Arntz (NSN: 3134080), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 November 1950. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Arntz was serving as a Corpsman with a rifle platoon on a mountainous, snow covered ridge near Yudam-ni, Korea. When his platoon was subjected to heavy enemy small arms, machine gun, Mortar and grenade fire, he fearlessly exposed himself to move among the wounded administering aid and assisting in the evacuation of the casualties. Without regard for his own personal safety, he made numerous trips evacuating the wounded from the front lines to the company command post. On one trip, he was painfully wounded in the shoulder and was ordered to submit to medical evacuation whereupon, he voluntarily returned to the front lines and continued to work in the sub-zero weather with a painful wound, for which he could have been evacuated. His actions were in inspiration to all members of his platoon and undoubtedly saved the lives of many wounded Marines who would have otherwise succumbed from the extreme exposure. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Arnitz’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.