Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 19, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 222 (August 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Herman P. Lutz (ASN: 0-450357), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. While moving along a road with a motorized reconnaissance party near San Antonio on 19 June 1945 Captain Lutz detected two well-camouflaged enemy tanks off to the side of the road. One of the tanks was severely damaged and appeared harmless. The other showed no signs of having been fired upon and was parked so that its guns covered the road. Captain Lutz, suspecting that the tank was still manned, decided to investigate. He approached the tank with another officer, mounted it, thrust open the turret and emptied a clip from his pistol into the tank, killing several enemy soldiers. He then jumped to the ground, telling his companion that he was going to organize a patrol to investigate the sector for other enemy. Just as he dashed onto the road, several Japanese light machine guns opened fire, and he was killed instantly. Captain Lutz’s outstanding courage and alertness in discovering a hostile ambush saved many American lives. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 3 – 18, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 125 (May 20, 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 Captain (Infantry) Herman P. Lutz (ASN: 0-450357), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 and 18 February 1945. During an assault river crossing a soldier was painfully wounded by intense hostile fire. Captain Lutz, a battalion staff officer, immediately went to the man’s aid. Although subjected to heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, he administered first aid and dragged the man to a sheltered position. On another occasion during an assault on an enemy-held building, Captain Lutz led a tank forward and directed its fire on point targets. Although bullets from enemy machine guns struck in and around his post, Captain Lutz remained in this exposed position until the tank reduced the enemy gun emplacements. His intrepidity and willingness to expose himself under fire proved an inspiration to the men around him. 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.