Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Medium Tank Battalion

    Regiment:

    13th Cavalry

    Action Date:

    September 25, 1961

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 26 (May 10, 1962)

    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 Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant] Dale K. Brudvig (ASN: 0-75969), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Company B, Medium Tank Battalion (Patton), 13th Cavalry on 25 September 1961, in the vicinity of Lang Goens, Germany. While conducting an inspection of his company tank park, Captain Brudvig noticed a Patton tank from another company move from its tank park. Suddenly, the incompetent driver who had stolen this 60-ton tank, crashed through the gate, sped recklessly and wantonly through the countryside, and left a trail of damage to property. Captain Brudvig, unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, commandeered a jeep, pursued the uncontrolled tank, and caught up with it as it neared the built-up outskirts of Lang Goens, Germany. Realizing the impossibility of blocking the road, he boarded the dangerously swerving and fast-moving tank, subdued the thoughtless driver, and brought the tank to a halt. Captain Brudvig’s quick and courageous action in voluntarily risking his own life to avert further damaged property and the possible loss of lives, reflects great credit on himself in the military service.