Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 880 (December 28, 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 Sergeant First Class Walter J. Luke (ASN: ER-34759662), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, [then Company E], 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 October 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date Sergeant Luke, serving in the capacity of field first sergeant, was with a unit which had the mission of attacking and securing a strongly fortified enemy-held hill. During this action, he voluntarily assumed the responsibility for the evacuation of all wounded men to the battalion aid station. In the course of preparing the wounded men for the hazardous trip, Sergeant Luke noticed two enemy soldiers, who had infiltrated the friendly lines, moving toward his position. Realizing the seriousness of this threat to his helpless comrades, Sergeant Luke left the wounded and by skillfully crossing the rough terrain, placed himself in a position that surprised the enemy into surrendering. His initiative and dauntless courage were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Luke on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 220 (June 26, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Walter J. Luke (ASN: ER-34759662), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 24 May 1951 in the vicinity of Hongchon, Korea. On that day he was a runner for the Commanding Officer of Company L, which was attacking enemy-held terrain. The first platoon, which was attacking a high rocky hill, was receiving enemy fire from front and rear and was ordered to withdraw. During the withdrawal the platoon leader was wounded and was unable to withdraw his platoon. Sergeant Luke, observing this, braved the intense fire, dashed to the wounded officer’s side and carried him to a place of safety. Sergeant Luke’s heroism reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.