Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Regiment:

    82d Medical Detachment

    Action Date:

    September 26, 1966

    Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command, General Orders No. 73 (January 29, 1967)

    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 Specialist Fifth Class Raymond C. Mort (ASN: RA-13710983), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy. Specialist Mort distinguished himself by heroic actions while serving with the 82d Medical Detachment (HA), on 26 September 1966. On this date, Specialist Mort was serving as Medical Aidman aboard an aero-medical evacuation helicopter in support of the 9th Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Division, in the vicinity of Tra Vinh, Republic of Vietnam. An American helicopter had crashed into the South China Sea near the beach and as DUSTOFF 81 approached the crash scene, a lone survivor was observed clinging to the aircraft mast sticking out of the choppy water. Specialist Mort realizing the danger involved by the three-foot waves and the fact that the Dustoff aircraft might come under enemy fire from the tree line approximately 200 meters away and be forced to pull off, unhesitatingly dove into the water, swam to the dazed and bleeding survivor and secured a life preserver to him. Specialist Mort then submerged himself to search for survivors inside the aircraft but was overcome by the strong undertow current and swept away. After several anxious moments on the part of the rest of the crew, he was able to fight his way back to the surface of the water, emerging approximately 10 to 15 meters from the wrecked helicopter. The survivor then released his hold on the wreckage and was swept by the current toward the waiting Dustoff aircraft. Only after the survivor was loaded safely aboard, did Specialist Mort inflate his own life preserver and swim to the waiting aircraft. Specialist Mort then assisted in emergency medical treatment of the survivor en route to Saigon facilities. Demonstrating courage, determination and devotion to duty of the highest order, Specialist Mort unhesitatingly placed the life of his fellow man above his own. Specialist Mort’s brave actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.