Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 1943

    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 30 (1943)

    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 Donald A. Wych, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy with the FIFTH Army west of *****, Italy on ** September 1943. Private Wych was the orderly on an ambulance carrying casualties rearward from a forward aid station. When the driver was instantly killed by an enemy burst Private Wych stopped the vehicle, and while under continual shelling, unloaded and placed five patients under cover of an embankment. When the shelling subsided he reloaded all the wounded men, delivered them to the designated Red Cross station and then continued to make frequent trips unassisted, evacuating casualties over this same route covered by intermittent enemy shell fire. Private Wych’s devotion to duty transcending all thoughts of personal safety is an inspiring example to his organization and to the men of the armed forces.