Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Regiment:

    253d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 25, 1945

    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 15 (February 23, 1945)

    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 Technician Fifth Grade Robert H. Joseph (ASN: 33511920), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, on the night of 25 January 1945, in the vicinity of Saargemund, France. Technician Fifth Grade Joseph, while assisting other members of the Regimental Battle Patrol in effecting a crossing of the Saar River, heard cries for help and found four comrades who had capsized their rubber boat in the icy river and were in danger of drowning. With utter disregard for their own safety and having been warned that the ice would not hold them, he and a comrade rescued three of the men. This heroic and hazardous action, in the face of imminent danger, reflects great credit upon these two men and is in keeping with the finest traditions of fidelity and courage.