Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    501st Infantry

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1963

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46 (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 Sergeant William M. Kalani, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Mortar Battery, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, on 8 May 1963, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Sergeant Kalani was acting as Platoon Sergeant during a unit live fire exercise when a ball of fire engulfed the second gun section as the mortar round left it’s tube, severely burning two soldiers, starting a large grass fire, and exposing the remaining gun sections to fire and explosion. Sergeant Kalani immediately assisted in extinguishing the flames from the clothing of the severely burned men, assured their evacuation to a safe area, and then promptly organized personnel to remove the exposed ammunition on the three remaining gun sections from the path of the fast spreading flames. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and the succession of explosions, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger, directed the operations, and removed approximately 80 rounds of ammunition which were directly exposed to the fire. Through his courageous efforts, outstanding leadership, and sound judgment, all personnel and ammunition were rapidly removed from the hazardous area. Sergeant Kalani’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. (This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Metal to Sergeant Kalani for heroism on 8 May 1963 as announced in General Orders Number 143, Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division and Fort Gamble, dated 12 July 1963.)