Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Medium Tank Battalion

    Regiment:

    32d Armor

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1962

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 52 (December 18, 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 First Sergeant Paul M. Carden, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company D, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, in the vicinity of Wolfersheim, Germany, on 8 October 1962. When Sergeant Carden was notified that an M-60 tank had been stolen from the battalion tank park, he unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in a search to recover the vehicle and apprehend the soldier who was driving it in a dangerous manner. Although the tank had disappeared from sight, he determined its course by following the path of destruction left in its wake. Upon overtaking the tank in a populated area, he displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety by jumping from the hood of a moving jeep to the rear deck of the tank and subjecting himself to the violent tank maneuvers resulting from the berserk driver’s behavior. To avert the possible loss of life and further damage to property, he then clung to the turret rails of the careening tank until it cleared the town before he entered the hatch, overpowered the driver, and brought the vehicle to a halt Sergeant Carden’s sound judgment, quick reactions, and heroic conduct in this hazardous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for heroism on 8 October 1962 as announced in General Orders number 100, Headquarters, 3d Armored Division (Spearhead), dated 18 October 1962.]