Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 28 (August 24, 1964)

    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 Francisco Delgado-Roldan, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 4 February 1964 while serving as a member of a Research Operations Detachment on board a United States Navy vessel operating in tropical waters. Private Delgado-Roldan was standing on the main deck watching a group of people come aboard from a small boat anchored at sea when a female passenger suddenly lost her grip on the pilot’s ladder and plunged into the water between the ship and the smaller craft. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he unhesitatingly dove into the water along with another male passenger to rescue the woman who had failed to see a life ring which had been tossed to her. As the strong current carried them away from the ship and it appeared that both the woman and the man were about to submerge in the shark infested waters, Private Delgado-Roldan demonstrated fortitude and perseverance by reaching the victims and keeping them afloat for over ten minutes until they were rescued by boat. His 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.