Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1951

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John H. Hougen (ASN: 0-63107), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 26 August 1951, near Nolta-ri, Korea, Company B, 1st Battalion, occupying positions on Hill 266, was attacked by an estimated enemy battalion after having been initially subjected to an intense artillery barrage. Captain Hougen, Company Commander, fearlessly exposed himself to the withering hostile fire in order to intermittently control the withdrawal of his outlying elements into the company perimeter. While so engaged, he skillfully directed fire upon the foe enabling the units to displace with a minimum of casualties. With all the men inside the perimeter, Captain Hougen called for and adjusted artillery fire upon the hostile troops with such effectiveness that they were repulsed with heavy casualties. The heroism and courage displayed by Captain Hougen reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 511 (November 13, 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 Captain (Infantry) John H. Hougen (ASN: 0-63107), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 29 September 1951, the 1st Battalion was assigned the mission of taking and securing Hill 487, fanatically defended by the enemy from well-prepared bunkers and emplacements. B Company’s task was to pass through Company A which had suffered heavy casualties, and assault the final objective. Under the lethal fire of automatic weapons, small arms, and mortars, Captain Hougen, commanding Company B, 1st Battalion, began moving his unit through Company A and into the assault position and upon reaching the last covered position, he ordered elements of the company to charge. Captain Hougen, using the element of surprise as his best weapon, rushed the platoon to the summit and personally directed its firepower on the bunkers and emplacements. Standing upright in order to bring more effective fire on the enemy, he was fully exposed to hostile observation and fire; but, fearlessly remaining in his chosen position, he deployed the company on the peak to beat off an expected counterattack and withstand enemy artillery and mortar fire. The superb gallantry and outstanding initiative displayed by Captain Hougen reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.