Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 390 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Vernon F. Hydaker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 19 July 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Hydaker’s Regiment had been ordered to replace the 169th Infantry Regiment, and the lead element of his battalion came under fire from an enemy machine gun nest near a bridge. Colonel Hydaker moved to the front and directed a platoon on a wide envelopment to the left, in order to get behind the enemy and destroy the machine guns. The mortar barrage he directed came the following morning and permitted Company C to complete the envelopment a Company A patrol had started the day before. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.