Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1962

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (February 25, 1963)

    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 (Infantry) George B. Calhoun, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 16 July 1962 in Kontum Province, Vietnam. When a Vietnamese Air Force Troop Transport crashed, Captain Calhoun unhesitatingly volunteered to assist in saving the lives of the crew and passengers. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he dashed into the wreckage, faced the possibility of detonation of explosives scattered around the area, and with a fire extinguisher put out the fires as they started. When the extinguisher became exhausted, he assisted in removing the injured and continued the search for survivors until flames drove them back from the wreckage. Upon the arrival of fresh fire extinguishers, he re-entered the danger area, continued to fight fires, and was of invaluable assistance by giving clear and concise orders to the volunteer rescue teams and firefighting crews. Captain Calhoun’s courage and exemplary actions saved the lives of four Vietnamese soldiers and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.