Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron, 123d Aviation Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Cavalry

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1969

    Headquarters Americal Division, General Orders No. 12892 (December 20, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James Robert Broadfoot (ASN: US-53758475), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Broadfoot distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 13 December 1969, while serving as a Squad Leader with the Aero-Rifle Platoon of D Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, the platoon was conducting search and clear operations southeast of My Kha when it came under intense hostile fire from an enemy force located in a fortified position. In the ensuing battle, Sergeant Broadfoot assaulted the hostile bunker five times, tossing hand grenades into the emplacement only to have them thrown back out on each occasion. Shortly after the fifth attempt to silence the position, an enemy grenade landed beside Sergeant Broadfoot and two other friendly soldiers who were located in a nearby crater. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Broadfoot threw his comrades from the position and stepped on the grenade to absorb the impact of the blast. Despite suffering a serious leg wound, he refused to be evacuated and directed another assault against the insurgents. Upon closing with the bunker, Sergeant Broadfoot discovered that it had been completely destroyed by the last hand grenade he had thrown. His courageous and timely actions were directly responsible for minimizing casualties among his fellow soldiers and instrumental I the overall success of the mission. Sergeant Broadfoot’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.