Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 25, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 210 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Burrell C. Hassett, Jr. (ASN: 0-38987), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, during the initial phase of an enemy offensive, the 58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion was withdrawing to new positions. While moving along the main supply route near Chi-Dong, Korea, the column, which Major Hassett was following in his jeep, halted due to a traffic jam. As the column ceased moving, the enemy which had taken up positions behind a nearby railroad embankment suddenly attacked. Major Hassett instantly ascertaining that this action had confused the troops and hazarded the battalion’s safety, unhesitatingly instructed his jeep driver to drive forward. At great risk to his own life, he moved from vehicle to vehicle directing his troops to return the enemy’s withering fire and pointing out the targets. His inspiring demonstration so encouraged the troops in the battalion that they completely neutralized the enemy fire and proceeded toward their destination without loss of personnel or vehicles. The gallant leadership and fearless courage exhibited by Major Hassett reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Major]

    Batallion:

    58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 427 (September 20, 1951)

    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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Major] Burrell C. Hassett, Jr. (ASN: 0-38987), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 24 May 1951, near Soksori, Korea, an M-10 trailer filled with ammunition became a menace when a trip flare accidentally exploded setting it on fire. Colonel Hassett, realizing that personnel and adjacent vehicles in the area could be injured or damaged by the burning trailer, secured a fire extinguisher and ran to the flaming vehicle. When the contents of the extinguisher were exhausted without completely putting out the blaze, Colonel Hassett began to unload the contents of the trailer, even though small arms ammunition occasionally exploded. Through his efforts the fire was finally extinguished without loss to additional equipment or further injury to any personnel. Colonel Hassett’s valorous conduct in this critical situation reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.