Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    August 24, 1962

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 43 (September 27, 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 Private First Class Frank P. Comito, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Troup, 3d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Forces, Europe, on 24 August 1962, near Patersbach, Germany. When Private Comito observed a soldier pinned under an overturned two and one-half ton truck which was engulfed in flames and loaded with ammunition, he unhesitatingly went to his aid. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he attempted to extricate the trapped man from the blazing wreckage, characterized by dense smoke, choking fumes, and live ammunition exploding every few seconds, hurling fragments in all directions. Despite the inferno of flames and the severe injuries suffered by another volunteer rescue worker, he continued his diligent efforts until the trapped soldier was pulled to safety. Private Comito’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit on himself in the military service.