Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 97 (April 24, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William J. Bly (ASN: 0-1312508), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Plaridel, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 1 February, 1945. As the platoon commanded by Lieutenant Bly advanced down a road, an enemy machine gun opened fire, killing and wounding several men. Lieutenant Bly, armed with a .45 caliber pistol, crawled forward and single-handedly killed the four Japanese manning the gun, allowing the advance to continue. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 20, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 288 (September 7, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William J. Bly (ASN: 0-1312508), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry division, during the pitched battle at Manaring on 20 June 1945. Captain Bly displayed outstanding courage when he dashed to within ten yards of a Japanese machine gun emplacement and hurled four hand grenades into the embrasures, killing seven of the enemy and destroying the weapon. His valiant action permitted the safe evacuation of six seriously wounded American riflemen. After a temporary withdrawal, during which time friendly artillery fire was placed on the area, Captain Bly led his company in a highly successful assault which resulted in the killing of 40 Japanese and the capture of many weapons and much valuable equipment. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.