Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant]

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 60 (September 18, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Richard M. Blatchford (ASN: 36603290), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division on 26 July 1944, in France. Sergeant Blatchford was assigned to duty as the platoon leader of an infantry organization engaged in a heavy fire fight with the enemy. Several of his comrades, including the platoon first aid man, became casualties. Sergeant Blatchford, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, left his shelter and moved from place to place on the battlefield rendering first aid and evacuating the wounded to a less dangerous position. These actions, representing extreme loyalty to his comrades, undoubtedly saved the lives of at least four of them. The gallant unselfishness and personal bravery exhibited by Sergeant Blatchford are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1944

    Under Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (September 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Richard M. Blatchford (ASN: 36603290), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1944, in France. Technical Sergeant Blatchford was assigned to duty with an infantry force engaged in an attack against the enemy. A hostile artillery barrage fell in the vicinity, wounding several men and partially burying others. Under heavy enemy fire, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Technical Sergeant Blatchford left his shelter trench, dug out the men who had been buried and carried the wounded men to his trench, where he administered first aid. His courageous acts, performed at great risks to his life, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his comrades. The personal bravery and determined fortitude exhibited by Technical Sergeant Blatchford reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.