Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Action Date:

    August 30, 1963

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 11, 1964)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Peter W. Milbauer, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 30 August 1963. As a passenger on board a CH-21 helicopter, Sergeant Milbauer was participating in a mission to support the ground forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam when another United States Army helicopter crashed in the midst of an extremely heavy hostile gun fire. As soon as the pilot landed the helicopter in the combat zone to assist in the evacuation of the crew members and equipment of the downed aircraft, Sergeant Milbauer swiftly left the aircraft, ran through the intense gun fire, and assisted in evacuating the injured crew members. When the hostile gun fire increased in intensity within close proximity of his position, he defended his fellow soldiers by returning the gun fire. He then continued to display his fortitude and complete disregard for his own personal safety by returning to the wreckage three times to assist in carrying the injured men away from the flanking gun fire. Sergeant Milbauer’s unselfish actions and conspicuous gallantry in this hazardous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.