Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 21, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00598-45 (February 13, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Robert L. Boelter (NSN: 6162038), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against Japanese forces on the northern beaches of Guam, Mariana Islands, on 21 July 1944. When a platoon of an adjoining company was caught in withering machine gun and rifle fire, an attacking Marine was badly wounded and fell in an open field. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Boelter, arriving on the scene, found that several attempts by the members of the platoon to reach the wounded man had been turned back by concentrations of enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety and despite warnings, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Boelter crawled through the enemy fire, reached the wounded man and administered first aid. While so doing he received a bullet wound in his right arm. His outstanding bravery and disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.