Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Armor)

    Batallion:

    3d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    January 25, 1971

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 746 (March 17, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Major (Armor) Edward W. Shaw, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy 25 January 1971 while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date a large drum of gasoline spilled, spreading to a nearby burning block of explosive matter and was thus ignited. The blaze then spread to two nearby trailers, one of which contained explosives and ammunition. This ammunition began to burn and explodes, endangering the lives of all individuals within the immediate area, observing this and realizing the inherent danger of this situation, Major Shaw rushed to the scene and immediately assumed command. He organized a force to fight the fire and simultaneously dispatched work crews to remove the burning trailers. Ignoring the exploding munitions, Major Shaw directed the men in all facets of controlling the blazing inferno. He effectively fought and extinguished the blaze, thus eliminating the threat to the lives and safety of the soldiers in that section of the perimeter. Through his swift and decisive actions a near disaster vas averted and a minimum amount of damage was sustained, Major Shaw’s actions a were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army .