Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Action Date:

    May 11, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (February 5, 1965)

    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 Lieutenant (Field Artillery) James J. Cooney, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 45th Company, 4th Student Battalion, The Student Brigade, United States Army Infantry School, on 11 May 1964, near Fort Benning, Georgia. As an airborne student, Lieutenant Cooney was flying to a drop zone to perform his first of five qualifying parachute jumps when the aircraft developed engine trouble, crashed and burned. After the initial impact, he succeeded in freeing one of his fellow students who was trapped in the wreckage before leaving the flaming aircraft. Then, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he re-entered the blazing aircraft in an attempt to rescue two other trapped students and remained in the burning wreckage until the flames became too intense. Lieutenant Cooney’s unselfish actions and your conduct in this emergency are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself in the military service.