Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    72d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 28, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 172 (June 16, 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 Corporal Donald E. Nord (ASN: RA-19357441), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 May 1951, near Inje, Korea. Corporal Nord was assigned the duties of gunner in the Battalion Commander’s tank. Because of special radio equipment in the tank, the coaxial machine gun could not be employed. Corporal Nord, realizing that it would not be possible for the Battalion Commander to operate the machine gun and still exercise control over the covering force, voluntarily took up a position on the rear deck of the tank, and manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted thereon. In this position he was completely exposed to enemy fire, so intense and accurate that the infantry who were riding on the outside of the tank, were forced to dismount and take cover. Corporal Nord, in order to relieve the pressure on the infantry and to afford protection for his commander, remained in this exposed position and directed a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy. After more than half an hour of furious battle, he was knocked off the tank and severely wounded by grenade fragments, and sniper fire. The calm and methodical defiance of danger by Corporal Nord inspired the infantry and tankers who saw him, to increased action against a strong, determined and well emplaced enemy. Corporal Nord’s gallantry is a credit to himself and the military service.