Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 8 – 11, 1950

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 25, 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 Private First Class Edward Sanders (ASN: RA-12297410), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 77th Engineer Combat Company, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Haman, Korea, from 8 to 11 August 1950. Following an attack on his platoon by numerically superior enemy forces, he, with four other seriously wounded men, crawled through the brush to a secluded spot which offered shade and water. After two days without food and no apparent relief, he overcame vehement objections and obtained permission to attempt the hazardous trip to friendly forces for help. Departing at night, he painfully crawled and dragged his way toward friendly lines. During the first day of his torturous journey, he encountered a group of enemy soldiers and feigned death while they kicked and beat his face and body before leaving him for dead. Later, a poisonous snake bit his hand, adding further torture to his progress. Driven by his desire to help those depending upon him, he finally succeeded in crawling to a friendly position, where he refused evacuation until he made sure that a rescue party was dispatched to his helpless comrades. Private Sander’s indomitable spirit and tenacious devotion in insuring the rescue of his comrades reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.