Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    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 Captain Paul R. Shaffer, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 11 May 1964, near Fort Binning, Georgia, while serving with the 45th Company, 4th Student Battalion, The Student Brigade, United States Army Infantry School. As an airborne student, Captain Shaffer 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 escaping from the burning wreckage. Then, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he re-entered the blazing aircraft grabbed a fire extinguisher, and worked diligently to free two students trapped in the wreckage and to control the flames. Throughout the dangerous rescue operation, he continued his courageous efforts, re-entered the aircraft several times, and finally with great reluctance left the fire when the flames became too intense. Captain Shaffer’s heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.