Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Private Robert W. Rothwell, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company D, 4th Battalion, 3d Training Regiment, Basic, on 13 May 1964, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Private Rothwell was participating in the relocation of a storage shed which was being lowered by crane from the bed of a truck when the boom of the crane accidentally came into contact with a 7200 volt overhead power line. Simultaneously the Officer in Charge, whose hand was on a metal cable which secured the shed, was rendered unconscious. Upon observing the great danger to the Officer in Charge, Private Rothwell completely disregarded his own personal safety and attempted to save the life of his fellow soldier by pushing him away from the cable at the sacrifice of his own life. Private Rothwell’s unselfish actions and your role conduct are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.