Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Private First Class]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 286 (November 3, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Laverne B. Hayton (ASN: RA-12285235), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. On 25 July 1950 near Hwanggan, Korea, while withdrawing his platoon, Sergeant Hayton realized that the third platoon, not having received the withdrawal order, was still attacking an enemy position defended by a superior number of hostile forces. Seizing an automatic rifle, he made his way back to the third platoon, notified the leader, and assisted in its displacement. Observing a group of enemy approaching the right flank, Sergeant Hayton charged at them and killed more than half of them with his automatic rifle before they fled in panic. Seeing a wounded soldier unable to walk, Sergeant Hayton picked him up and, continuing to fire his weapon, carried him to safety. Sergeant Hayton’s conspicuous bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the American Soldier.