Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Specialist Fourth Class]

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 6, 1963

    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 Sergeant [then Specialist Fourth Class] Edward D. Hutchison, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 6 August 1963, at Hohenfels, Germany, while serving as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Armored Division (Spearhead). While participating in a field training exercise, Sergeant Hutchison noticed a struggling American soldier on a raft which was rapidly sinking in the waters of a small nearby lake. He unhesitatingly rushed into the water and swam to the raft simultaneously with a German soldier who became completely exhausted in the water while attempting to participate in the rescue effort. Then, with extreme fortitude, perseverance, and complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Hutchison succeeded in towing both soldiers to the shore. Immediately upon reaching the shore, he administered artificial respiration to the American soldier and continued his efforts until medical assistance arrived on the scene. Sergeant Hutchison’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 6 August 1963, as announced in General Orders Number 102, Headquarters, 3d Armored Division, dated 20 August 1963.]