Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 18, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 31 (September 30, 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 Staff Sergeant Samuel L. Walton, United States Army, for as a member of Company C, 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry Division, on 18 March 1964, near Munich, Germany. During a river crossing exercise, Sergeant Walton along with a driver, was on board a M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier when it was caught in a whirlpool and began to sink in the Danau River. Although water poured over the motor and into the driver’s compartment, Sergeant Walton remained calm and, while instructing the driver on how to bring the vehicle back to its original position, the swift current forced the carrier into a vertical position, plunging it and the men to the bottom of the river. Despite the dangerous situation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Walton then remained underwater until he freed the driver who was trapped in the vehicle. Sergeant Walton’s heroic conduct 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 award of the Army Commendation Medal for heroism on 18 March 1964 as announced in General Orders Number 42, Headquarters 24th Infantry Division, dated 15 April 1964.]